ADAM Gilchrist has added his voice to the growing list of Michael Clarke's admirers.
Clarke's epic 151 on his Test debut against India in the first Test at Bangalore last week was one of the grandest entrances in Australian cricket history.
Gilchrist, the Australia vice-captain, believes Clarke's innings was the perfect launching pad for Australia as they bid for their first series win in India for well over three decades.
"There was so much to enjoy for any cricket-lover in the way Clarke entered Test cricket," Gilchrist said.
"He is very talented and has a natural flair."
The 23-year-old became the sixth Australian to score 150 on his Test debut and of the 389 players who have played Test cricket for Australia, no batsman has made a better start on foreign soil.
His innings was so dominant that he even managed to keep Gilchrist in the shade, in their 167 run stand.
Clarke's achievement on the biggest stage is all the more amazing because for most of this summer he struggled to make an impact in county cricket for Hampshire.
Gilchrist believes that Clarke will keep his feet firmly on the ground as he establishes himself as one of Australia's leading batsmen.
And Australia's coach John Buchanan was only too pleased to give Clarke another glowing reference after his stunning performance.
"Michael played with a lot of composure for a young player," Buchanan said.
"He's a very talented young batsman who always wants to learn.
"Now he's even giving some of the senior players advice!"
However, last night, Clarke might have been surprised to learn that Hampshire wish to employ Simon Katich ahead of him for the first two months of next season.
Hampshire confirmed they would ask the Australian Cricket Board for permission to take both Katich and Shane Warne ahead of the Ashes series.
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