Happy Birthday Michael Clarke: 5 startling records held by him in Test cricket

Michael Clarke is one of the legendary batsmen to ever play for Australia. He also led the side across formats, while he also helped the side win the ICC World Cup as captain in 2015. He also played in the Indian Premier League for Pune Warriors India in 2012, which happens to be his only IPL stint to date.

<p>Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke is undoubtedly one of the country's legendary cricketers ever produced. Known for his prolific batting across formats, Clarke has etched his name in the history books.</p>

Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke is undoubtedly one of the country's legendary cricketers ever produced. Known for his prolific batting across formats, Clarke has etched his name in the history books.

<p>Clarke was primarily famous for his efficiency in Tests and One-Day Internationals, while he did lead the side across formats. He also was the skipper of the side that won the ICC World Cup 2015 at home.</p>

Clarke was primarily famous for his efficiency in Tests and One-Day Internationals, while he did lead the side across formats. He also was the skipper of the side that won the ICC World Cup 2015 at home.

<p>Meanwhile, Clarke is celebrating his 40th birthday. In the same light, we look at five of the most astonishing records he holds in the longest format.</p>

Meanwhile, Clarke is celebrating his 40th birthday. In the same light, we look at five of the most astonishing records he holds in the longest format.

<p><strong>Century on debut</strong><br />Clarke made his Test debut against India in Bangalore in 2004, scoring 151. He made his home debut in the format the same year in Brisbane and scored 141 against New Zealand. As a result, he is the only Aussie to score a ton on home and away Test debut.</p>

Century on debut
Clarke made his Test debut against India in Bangalore in 2004, scoring 151. He made his home debut in the format the same year in Brisbane and scored 141 against New Zealand. As a result, he is the only Aussie to score a ton on home and away Test debut.

<p><strong>Top Test score</strong><br />Clarke's highest score in the format happens to be an unbeaten 329 against India in 2012, which is the highest by a batsman in Sydney. It is also the highest by any batsman batting at number five.</p>

Top Test score
Clarke's highest score in the format happens to be an unbeaten 329 against India in 2012, which is the highest by a batsman in Sydney. It is also the highest by any batsman batting at number five.

<p><strong>Double and triple in the same</strong><br />The 2011-12 tour of Australia was a glorious one for Clarke, as he also scored 210 during the Adelaide Test. Incidentally, he became the third cricketer after Don Bradman and Wally Hammond, who scored a triple and double ton in the same series.</p>

Double and triple in the same
The 2011-12 tour of Australia was a glorious one for Clarke, as he also scored 210 during the Adelaide Test. Incidentally, he became the third cricketer after Don Bradman and Wally Hammond, who scored a triple and double ton in the same series.

<p><strong>Highest at Brisbane</strong><br />Not just Sydney, Clarke also holds the record of having the top score in Brisbane. In 2012 against South Africa, he scored an unbeaten 259.</p>

Highest at Brisbane
Not just Sydney, Clarke also holds the record of having the top score in Brisbane. In 2012 against South Africa, he scored an unbeaten 259.

<p><strong>The love for 200</strong><br />Clarke made history when he scored his fourth double century in 2012 against South Africa in Adelaide (230). Thus, he became the only cricketer in Test history to slam four double tons in a single calendar year.</p>

The love for 200
Clarke made history when he scored his fourth double century in 2012 against South Africa in Adelaide (230). Thus, he became the only cricketer in Test history to slam four double tons in a single calendar year.