Steven Smith has hailed Michael Clarke for battling a back injury and the emotion of Phil Hughes's death to score a century in Australia's first Test with India.
After retiring hurt on the opening day, the Aussie skipper surprisingly returned to the crease on Wednesday morning to make 128 and help the hosts close on 517-7.
On his way to making a fourth consecutive ton at Adelaide, where he now averages above 100, Clarke put on 163 alongside Smith, who finished the day unbeaten on 162.
Smith feels that Clarke's efforts were even more courageous considering how closely he has been involved in the wake of Hughes's passing, with the Australian batsman having died last month after being hit on the head by a bouncer.
"He just came out and played beautifully," Smith told reporters on Clarke's performance. "I think a few shots hurt him but he got himself into as many good positions as he could and he manipulated the field a little bit as well.
"He has done amazingly over the last couple of weeks, spending the whole time by Hughesy's family's side. Just the strength and courage he has shown through those times was unbelievable.
"He must be mentally drained coming into this game but the way he played speaks the world of that guy. He came out here and tried to do something for Hughesy and he certainly did that."
Clarke has acted as a public spokesperson for the Hughes family and read a tearful eulogy at his funeral.
