Michael Clarke meets his match

During a celebrated career that’s produced 28 Test centuries, four Allan Border Medals and two Ashes triumphs, Australia captain Michael Clarke might have finally met his match.

Well, in namesake at least.

Michael Clarke was introduced to Kingston’s own Michael Clarke - the second Test’s mascot present at the coin toss on the morning of day one at Sabina Park.

A young cricketer from Excelsior School, Clarke shook the visiting captain’s hand and the 110-Test veteran tweeted following the day’s play that he’ll give his new friend his playing shirt, a promise the skipper delivered on after stumps on day three.

The local Clarke was happier than his senior counterpart prior to play when West Indies captain Denesh Ramdin won the toss and elected to bowl in search for quick wickets as his charges aim to level the series after the first Test loss in Dominica.

Ramdin would have been elated when David Warner (0) and Shaun Marsh (11) were out inside the first hour, but a costly no-ball from speedster Kemar Roach gave Clarke (the Australian batsman) a reprieve.

The right-hander capitalised, combining with centurion Steve Smith for 118 before the 34-year-old’s drive outside off-stump collected his blade’s edge through to Ramdin to fall 47.

Australia finished day one in Kingston at 4-258 from 90 overs, with Smith unbeaten at the crease on 135 and allrounder Shane Watson 20 not out.

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Ramdin, Clarke and Clarke after the toss yesterday // WICB