Michael Clarke's superb 139 against New Zealand at the Gabba was sparkled with class, but the Aussie skipper was happy to admit it'd been a lucky journey to the triple figures.
Clarke's century in his first innings on home soil as Test captain seemed fate at times.
On the second day on just 23, he played on to Doug Bracewell, but was called back after video replays confirmed umpire Aleem Dar's suspicion that the young Kiwi had over-stepped the crease.
And then on 85 he feathered an inside edge to Reece Young, who had no excuse for spilling the easy chance.
Finally, after reaching his third century in his last six innings, he was put down once more, this time by third slip Jesse Ryder on 105.
Clarke was happy to acknowledge his hot streak of luck, but said that he'd take big runs whichever way they came.
"You have to perform personally; you have to score runs personally to stay in the team. If you're not scoring runs, somebody else is going to take your place," said Clarke.
"Probably my main goal since taking over the captaincy has been trying to lead from the front on the field, making sure I'm scoring runs and doing whatever I can to help the team have success."
"When things are going your way ... you have to cash in and make the most of it. That was my goal in this innings once I got that life on twenty-odd."
Clarke wasn't the only Aussie to pile up some form and approval, with senior statesman Brad Haddin (80) and Ricky Ponting (78) easing pressure with composed and fluent knocks.
The Australian skipper was delighted to see two of his most experienced bats contributing, but was quick to downplay suggestions that either had been under serious scrutiny.
"(Ponting's) probably as pleased as anyone ... he's brought some momentum home with him (from South Africa) and it was really nice (to see him score runs)," said Clarke.
"I'm sure he's disappointed he didn't make 100, but he's not far away, that's for sure."
"(Haddin has) been working hard for a while now, so it was a real positive for him. Coming into the summer he's trained as hard as ever and his confidence is back up."
"That's how Hadds plays his best, and there's going to be times when he's going to get out playing his shots, but when he's positive in his mind and attacking in the way he plays, I think that's when he has the most success."
"I don't think (runs) were crucial for his future. I've known Hadds for a long time but I've made it very clear to him that his keeping is the number one priority to me; that's his main job in the team."
Clarke's century in his first innings on home soil as Test captain seemed fate at times.
On the second day on just 23, he played on to Doug Bracewell, but was called back after video replays confirmed umpire Aleem Dar's suspicion that the young Kiwi had over-stepped the crease.
And then on 85 he feathered an inside edge to Reece Young, who had no excuse for spilling the easy chance.
Finally, after reaching his third century in his last six innings, he was put down once more, this time by third slip Jesse Ryder on 105.Clarke was happy to acknowledge his hot streak of luck, but said that he'd take big runs whichever way they came.
"You have to perform personally; you have to score runs personally to stay in the team. If you're not scoring runs, somebody else is going to take your place," said Clarke.
"Probably my main goal since taking over the captaincy has been trying to lead from the front on the field, making sure I'm scoring runs and doing whatever I can to help the team have success."
"When things are going your way ... you have to cash in and make the most of it. That was my goal in this innings once I got that life on twenty-odd."
Clarke wasn't the only Aussie to pile up some form and approval, with senior statesman Brad Haddin (80) and Ricky Ponting (78) easing pressure with composed and fluent knocks.
The Australian skipper was delighted to see two of his most experienced bats contributing, but was quick to downplay suggestions that either had been under serious scrutiny.
"(Ponting's) probably as pleased as anyone ... he's brought some momentum home with him (from South Africa) and it was really nice (to see him score runs)," said Clarke.
"I'm sure he's disappointed he didn't make 100, but he's not far away, that's for sure."
"(Haddin has) been working hard for a while now, so it was a real positive for him. Coming into the summer he's trained as hard as ever and his confidence is back up."
"That's how Hadds plays his best, and there's going to be times when he's going to get out playing his shots, but when he's positive in his mind and attacking in the way he plays, I think that's when he has the most success."
"I don't think (runs) were crucial for his future. I've known Hadds for a long time but I've made it very clear to him that his keeping is the number one priority to me; that's his main job in the team."
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