Sydney, Jan 2 : In form Michael Clarke is in touching distance of surpassing legendary Don Bradman's run tally for Australia, as he needs only 87 runs in the final Test match against Sri Lanka in Sydney to go beyond the great cricketer's career total of 6996.

While there is only one Bradman, scoring his runs in almost half as many Tests as Clarke while averaging nearly twice as much, it was at the SCG exactly a year ago that Clarke did something so special not even Bradman had managed it, News. com. au reports.

The 329 not out Clarke scored against India is the only Test triple century made at the SCG, and he also eclipsed Bradman by becoming the only player in history to pass 200 four times in a calendar year, the paper added.

Just to top off 2012 Clarke also broke Ricky Ponting's Australian record for the most runs in a calendar year, 1595 runs at an average of 106. Yet for all his great achievements over the past year, which were launched by his unparalleled performance at the SCG, Clarke refuses to luxuriate in his success.

Clarke said he was proud of achievement but feels he can still improve and achieve something more special. The captain said he still feels there are some areas on which he can still work, adding that his individual records are of no value if the team is not winning. (ANI)