After winning the battle against Indian spinners Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, Australia's Test debutant Michael Clarke said the tour of 2003 for a triseries helped him adapt to the subcontinent conditions.
"It helped definitely to play one-day internationals in India," the 23-year-old said after cracking 151 on debut in the first Test here today.
Clarke became the 17th Australian to make a hundred on his Test debut, and the first from his country to do it abroad since Harry Graham scored a century at The Lord's in 1893.
"It is a fantastic moment and a very special day. I am also very proud of making the century in front of my parents," he said.
"It is nice to have them here. Once I was selected in the squad to tour India. I decided to fly them over," said Clarke who yesterday became Australia's 389th Test player.
Clarke said he fancied his chances of playing spin bowling. "I kind of fancy spin. A lot of preparation has gone into it and it paid off today."
Asked whether he was a trifle sad at missing the highest ever score my an Australian on debut, Clarke said, "I'll take 151 any time I bat and especially today."
Clarke said Australia would be looking to wrap up the Indian innings tomorrow morning.
"We are in a great position and tomorrow we want to wrap it up fast. Our guys bowled superbly today," he said.
The Australian was also mightily pleased with the spectators at the Garden City and said all the Australians love to play in Bangalore.
"All the guys love to play here. It is a great crowd and for me it is fantastic to play here and score a hundred," he said.
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