STAND-IN Australia captain Adam Gilchrist has dubbed Hampshire batsman Michael Clarke 'Nemo' - after the Walt Disney character.
Gilchrist, Australia's captain in the absence of the injured Ricky Ponting, shared a 167-run stand with Clarke when the 23-year-old scored his debut 151 against India in Bangalore last week.
He said: "Clarke's nickname is 'Pup' but I consider 'Nemo' to be a better-suited tag. He calls Matty Hayden 'Big Fish' and Clarke no doubt will be a big fish himself one day. But for now - like Nemo - he is a talented, sometimes cheeky, small fish, who is prepared to swim from the reef into the deeper waters and take on bigger challengers than he.
"Already there is talk that he will have to be wary of the off-field trappings of success.
"A valid point indeed, but I suspect we need not worry about young Nemo's focus as he has a great support network and as strong a desire to concentrate on his cricket as I have ever seen."
Gilchrist was with Clarke when the Hampshire batsman reached his ton.
He added: "He's a passionate, emotional young man and he handled all that was thrown at him with a cool head. A great effort considering he is one of the most nervous players I've ever come across prior to going in to bat.
"If you do hear of Clarke driving a Ferrari, it's not because success has gone to his head, it's because he genuinely loves cars.
"He's always coloured his hair and sported an earring but none of his flashiness will be manufactured by a big ego. Put simply, he has a natural flair that he should continue to stay true to."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article