MICHAEL Clarke has enhanced his status as Australia's captain-in-waiting with a series victory in his first tour in charge, but is in no hurry to inherit the job permanently.
Clarke could not have been more impressive as Australia won three straight one-day games to take an unbeatable 3-1 lead against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, culminating in his unbeaten century in a very hot Abu Dhabi early yesterday morning.
Under pressure after the series-opener, when he fell cheaply and Pakistan won comfortably, Clarke responded in style.
He shared a crucial 90-run stand with Andrew Symonds in game two, finishing unbeaten on 39 to guide Australia home.
Clarke then earned man of the match honours in game three top-scoring with 66 and snaring 3-15 with the ball as Australia notched a stunning comeback win.
Then came yesterday's unbroken 197-run stand with Shane Watson (85 not out), Clarke batting superbly to finish 100 not out and lift his series average to 104.5.
For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times
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