Clarke retired hurt on 60 as Oz choose to bat in emotion filled first Test against India

Michael ClarkeSydney, Dec 09 - Australia cricket team captain Michael Clarke has been retired hurt on his individual score of 60 as the ongoing first Test against India is under way in an emotionally charged atmosphere at the Adelaide Oval.

Clarke scored 60 runs off 84 deliveries, reaching his half-century off 69 deliveries while hitting nine fours during his batting spell.

The skipper recently overcame a hamstring injury and was deemed fit to play but he left the ground after his brilliant knock of 60 and speculations are that it is a recurrence of the same injury that has overshadowed Clarke.

Earlier all-rounder Shane Watson had tipped the skipper to score a ton in the first Test to honour late batsman Phillip Hughes' memory.

Clarke has been a figure of emotion and support for the Hughes family since the batsman got injured by a short pitched delivery last month on November 25 and passed away two days later in St. Vincent's Hospital. Hughes was hit in the neck by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG.

A series of tributes were held for the late batsman before the start of the match between Australia and India at the Adelaide Oval. Australia won the toss and decided to bat first.

Australian opener Chris Rogers scored nine runs before he was caught by Shikhar Dhawan off paceman Ishant Sharma's delivery.

Rogers' opening partner David Warner remained unbeaten on 130 at the time of the filing of this report. He reached his ton off just 106 deliveries scoring 14 boundaries on the way.

Watson managed to add 14 runs to Australia's score before he too was caught by Dhawan off fast bowler Varun Aaron's delivery.

Warner remains on the pitch with all-rounder Steven Smith batting with him on his individual score of 13. At the time of the filing of this report Australia were 233 for the loss of two wickets in 49 overs. (ANI)