Melbourne, June 2 : A tearful Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke fulfilled one of the dying wishes of fiance Lara Bingle's father by scoring a century in the second Test against the West Indies at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.

Clarke's eyes filled with tears as he looked to the heavens and dedicated his ton to Graham Bingle, who died three weeks ago.

It was a similar scene to Darren Lehmann's tribute to the late David Hookes in 2004 after scoring a century against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Clarke had Graham Bingle's words ringing in his ears as he scored a superb 110, which lifted the Australians to commanding 7-479 declared, reports The Australian.

"He told me to come over and play, he didn't want me to stay at home. No doubt, I wanted to make a hundred for him because, like I said, he wanted me to be over here playing cricket," Clarke said.

"I know all of my family and all of Lara's family wanted me to come over here and play. It's hard being away from Lara and her family, but today was obviously very special to make a century knowing that my to-be father-in-law would certainly have been proud of me," he added.

On reaching his seventh Test century, Clarke raised his bat and helmet to the sky before kissing the coat of arms on his helmet.

Clarke's own father has battled illness and the emotion of the day clearly affected the right-hander who nestled his head in his arm and wiped tears from his eyes as he tried to compose himself.

Given the circumstances, he insisted it was his most special Test century, overtaking his 151 on debut against India in 2004.

Lara Bingle was not there to witness the moment, but Australia's vice-captain is hoping his fiancee will arrive for the third Test in Barbados.

ANI