Michael Clarke made a hundred, and Shane Watson did not. In Australian cricket terms, this was as night follows day. Clarke validated what is said of him just now, that he could make a century on one leg. This was his fifth of the most replete year of any Australian. His score, 106, was also his average, achieved previously in a calendar year only by Bradman, Sobers and Ponting.
Watson dreams of what for Clarke is now habit. In eight years, while shunting up and down Australia's batting order, he has made just two centuries. On Thursday, against a limited and patched-up Sri Lankan attack, on a plumb batting pitch, from a dominant position, a third begged. But after 4½ vigilant hours, he walked knowingly into a trap, and was caught at deep mid-wicket for 83. Between him and Clarke, there was nothing, and a gulf. The crowd knew it. Clarke exited to a hearty, standing ovation, Watson to wistful applause.
