Clarke rates Tendulkar's 175 against Aussies among top five tons

Melbourne, Feb 19 (ANI): Australia's vice captain Michael Clarke has rated master blaster Sachin Tendulkar's 175 against them at Hyderabad in 2009 among the top five centuries he has witnessed as an opposition player.

"I was not playing in this game as I was back home in Australia and so I watched it from my couch at home. Although India didn't win the game, Sachin showed what a determined and class act he is in making 175 as India chased Australia's score of 350," Clarke said.

"Chasing big totals is never easy in any big form of the game and Sachin's innings, to almost win the game for India, was masterly in every way. In every condition and in any form of the game, Sachin can pull a century out of nowhere," FOX Sports quoted him, as saying.

Top five tons rated by Clarke are: Herschelle Gibbs 175 in the fifth ODI against Australia in Johannesburg in 2006, Graeme Smith's 108 in the first Test against Australia in 2008 in Perth, Chris Gayle's 72-balls 102 in Perth in 2009, Tendulkar's 175 in Hyderabad and Andrew Strauss' 161 at Lord's Test in 2009.

Clarke said that the Allan Border Medal was a fantastic celebration for another great year for Australian Cricket (the Ashes loss aside).The deserved winner, Shane Watson, typified the depth and talent in Australian cricket. He is a player who has sacrificed so much and, despite a lot of adversity through injury, has maintained his focus on achieving results for Australia. I am happy for Watto," he added. (ANI)