Michael Clarke says ton of no use if it doesn`t lead to Test win

Sydney: Australian captain Michael Clarke has said that he will not compare his majestic Old Trafford century against his 23 others until the third Ashes Test is over, as he believes that the ton would be irrelevant if Australia did not go on to secure the win they need to stay alive in this Ashes series.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Clarke`s 187 was his highest score abroad, his first at No.4, and changed the tone of a campaign that almost looked lost after Australia`s dismal show at Lord`s, as it helped Australia get to 7-527 before Clarke declared. The report further said that there was more early cause for optimism for the tourists on Saturday when England lost two wickets to slump to 4-110 after Jonathan Trott (five) and rival captain Alastair Cook (62) were sent packing before lunch. Although Australia`s turn in fortunes was greatly helped by Clarke`s mighty contribution, however, Clarke refused to weigh his best score out of Australia against his other major achievements - the triple century, and the three doubles at home, until the end of the Test match. According to Clarke, he will only be able to access the century more if his side wins at Old Trafford, adding that he felt that scoring tons was irrelevant if a team is not winning games. Clarke further said that his side`s response at the third Ashes Test from their heavy defeat at Lord`s has shown character and has put the `bellyaching laughter` at his team on hold for some time. Admitting that he would be still be ridiculed at his belief that Australia could turn around a 2-0 series deficit as they are yet to complete the first assignment in Manchester, Clarke however, said that his team should be proud of the position that they are in now as they have worked exceptionally hard in the lead up to this Test match. Stating that Australia was rightly criticised for not making enough runs in the first two Test matches, Clarke however, admitted that he is aware that there is still a lot of work for his team with a flat wicket and not much movement for the bowlers, although he hoped that they get a second innings as well to bat at Old Trafford. Clarke`s 187 made him only the second Australian, after Sir Donald Bradman, to be out on that score in a Test match, the report added. ANI