Whiz-kid Clarke maintains positive focus

The 23-year-old Aussie prodigy is trying to remain positive while the world continues to shower him with praise and sponsorship deals.

Australian batting whiz-kid Michael Clarke is trying to maintain his positive focus while the cricket world continues to shower him with praise and sponsorship dollars.

HT Image

The 23-year-old prodigy swung last week's first Brisbane Test away from New Zealand with an exhilarating 141 on his home Test debut in a 216-run sixth-wicket stand with Adam Gilchrist (126) as Australia fought back to claim a crushing innings and 156 runs victory inside four days.

Clarke showed no fear when he raised his second Test hundred -- he scored 151 on Test debut in India last month -- with an audacious four off the last ball before lunch on the third day and has now scored 541 runs in nine Test innings at a stunning 67.62 average.

His big task now will be to blot out the clamour for his time and keep his feet firmly on the ground, but the Sydney youngster is humble about his achievements ahead of the second Test with the Kiwis, starting at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.