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Australian batsman Michael Clarke described posting his highest first-class score on his Test debut against India as "something I'm very proud of".

The 23-year-old hit 151, dominating India's slow bowlers late in his innings as the tourists reached 474.

"I love facing spin and with conditions like this I expected to face a lot of spin bowling," said Clarke at stumps, after India had slumped to 150-6.

"A lot of preparation has gone in and thankfully it paid off."

Clarke was the 17th Australian debutant to hit a century and the first since Greg Blewett in 1995.

His parents and grandparents were watching as he reached three figures, and kissed the badge on his baggy green cap.

"Once I found out I was selected in the game I organised to fly them over," Clarke added.

"It was great that they came and I'm sure they're very proud."

And Clarke believes his side are in a great position going into the third day, with the hosts still 125 runs short of avoiding the follow-on.

"They guys bowled fantastically and we fielded really well," he added.

I still remember feeling cock-a-hoop in Calcutta [in 2001] after day two, but we are wiser for the experience Adam Gilchrist

"But there's a long way to go in this game and we'll be back trying to get those last wickets."

The other centurion on the day, stand-in captain Adam Gilchrist, took a cautious attitude.

He said: "There are still 270 overs left in the game. I still remember feeling cock-a-hoop in Calcutta [in 2001] after day two, thinking it can't be any better.

"We are wiser for the experience. I have to get four wickets first."