By Scott Heinrich
BBC Sport |
The ongoing education of young Australian firebrand Michael Clarke lit up an opening VB Series match riddled with banality despite the high scores and close finish.
 Clarke enjoyed a fine all-round game on his 10th appearance |
Clarke was a star performer, scoring 63 under pressure in the middle-order before taking a wicket and four catches in India's unsuccessful run-chase.
In many ways, the match followed a predictable script.
India's chances were always destined to hinge on their batsmen, whether they were called into action first or second.
But accomplished as India are at chasing, their task was made all the harder when Australia got first hit against an attack which was always likely to concede runs.
That the hosts tallied 288, the sixth highest score at the ground, with Ajit Agarkar returning 6-42 speaks volumes.
Just as they never gave up in last year's World Cup final against the same team, India fancied themselves, and rightly so against a decidedly weak Aussie attack.
And India were in it for most of the way, even edging their noses in front near the end as Sourav Ganguly made good on a second chance gifted to him by Matthew Hayden's buttery fingers.
In the end, the 100-over contest came down to two deliveries when Yuvraj Singh was caught and Sanjay Bangar became the enemy of millions when running out his skipper.
 |  Michael is ahead of his time and has an old head on his shoulders |
It is uninspiring that matches between the two could chart a similar course over the next month, meaning we are in for 11 meaningless, cat-and-mouse fixtures before things become consequential.
Nevertheless, the MCG pipe-opener confirmed Australia's one-day supremacy over India and was significant in terms of Clarke's progress.
Aussie fans have known for some time they have something special on their hands in the shape of the 22-year-old left-hander. Now, the rest of the world is starting to see for themselves.
Certainly, India have an idea of his capabilities. Twice he has faced them and twice he has been the talismanic figure to sink them.
Andrew Symonds may have won the Man of the Match award for his 88 and return of 2-47, but it was Clarke who made the mouth water.
Their 143-run stand for the fifth wicket not only got Australia out of a tight spot, it showcased two contrasting styles of batting.
Symonds, all brawn and bravado, is a limited-overs marvel but will never play Test cricket, while Clarke, all grace and natural ability, stands with the world at his feet.
The Clarke of today is a rash creature who can get carried away with himself, but time and low scores will cure that.
What can't be learned is the instinct he innately possesses, the prior knowledge of where a ball will pitch and the footwork that follows.
Clarke seems capable of playing to all parts of the ground, but square of the wicket his is splendid, as Anil Kumble and Ganguly discovered on more than one occasion.
Like an expectant mother, the Australia Test team is waiting for Clarke.
He has the makings of a middle-order star, which is just as well as a position has recently been made vacant by one.
MMIX
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