Clarke has a field day at Bankstown
Michael Clarke and his family have enjoyed a bountiful weekend as NSW squeezed out a three-wicket ING Cup cricket win over South Australia at Bankstown Oval.
The Test number four lead the Blues' successful pursuit for 246, by scoring an innings-high 55 off 70 balls, just a day after belting an unbeaten 205 for his Sydney grade club Western Suburbs.
Requiring seven off the last over, NSW squeaked home off the penultimate delivery thanks to Nathan Bracken and Corey Richards, the latter returning with 10 runs needed after he had earlier retired hurt with a groin injury.
NSW completed its second win in as many Cup matches to lead the early season ladder by six points.
The Blues' five international bowlers sent down all but one of the 50 overs in the SA innings, with Glenn McGrath leading the way by taking 1-30 off his 10 overs.
Brett Lee made his mark by tickling the ribs of former Test teammate Jason Gillespie with a short delivery.
Gillespie will have a precautionary x-ray on Monday to determine whether he can play in the Pura Cup game between the two teams starting at the SCG on Tuesday.
Gillespie went for 29 runs in his first six-over spell, but then conceded just five runs in each of his other two-over stints.
Clarke struck six boundaries and was dropped on 17 at long on by debutant Gary Putland and on 42 by wicketkeeper Graham Manou.
With NSW seemingly coasting at 3-180 after 37 overs, Clarke needlessly cut his innings short by lofting the ball straight to Gillespie at long off.
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