Captain Marvellous: Michael Clarke celebrates reaching his century in  Chennai yesterday.

IANS/Chennai

Michael Clarke struck a superb century under pressure to rescue Australia in the first Test after Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had bagged his sixth five-wicket haul here yesterday.

Clarke, who was given a lucky let-off on 39, remained unbeaten on 103 as Australia ended the day at 316 for seven in the first innings, a competitive score on a bone-dry wicket that is sure to deteriorate as the match goes on.

Clarke’s lucky escape would hurt the Indians as they had Australia on the ropes at 153 for five, after Ashwin (6/88), removed the top-order in the first two sessions.

But the Aussie captain, who walked in after Australia slumped from 126 for two to 153 for five, and debutant Moises Henriques (68), got the innings back on track with their crucial 151-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

Clarke, who struck 11 fours and a six, went past legendary Don Bradman (6,996) he surpassed 7,000 Test runs.

The Australian captain got his century in style hitting the penultimate ball of the day for a four over mid-off. Clarke was lucky to have survived a bat-pad while on 39. TV replays showed that Clarke had a big inside edge but umpire Kumar Dharmasena thought otherwise.

Opting to bat first, Australia made a quick start with opening batsmen David Warner (59), who was playing with a sore thumb, and Ed Cowan (29) quickly adding 64 runs.

Cowan departed in his attempt to charge down the ground and was stumped by Mahendra Singh Dhoni off Ashwin while Phil Jacques (6) dragged on to his stumps in his attempt to cut the offie.

But Warner, who survived two chances, grew in confidence and with Shane Watson (28) played some fine strokes as Australia reached lunch at 126 for two. Warner was first dropped on 18 by Virender Sehwag at first slip off Ashwin and then escaped a stumping when on 27 again to the local boy.

In the second session, Australia lost way as three quick strikes by Ashwin reduced them from 126 for two to 153 for three in 12 overs.

Watson, Matthew Wade (12) and Warner all fell lbw to Ashwin, who varied his length and pace as the ball kept low.

Clarke hit 11 fours and a six during his 169-ball unbeaten knock.