Clarke hits record double ton as Australia heap

Michael Clarke posted a successive double century and David Warner and Michael Hussey unleashed whirlwind hundreds as Australia pummelled a demoralised South Africa in the second Test on Thursday. Clarke backed up his unbeaten double century from last week’s drawn Brisbane series-opener with another overpowering innings, becoming the first person in the history of Test cricket to post four 200s in a calendar year. Warner and Hussey compounded the misery for the Proteas with quickfire tons as Australia romped to 482 for five on the opening day at Adelaide. It was just the fifth time in all Tests that Australia have scored more than 400 runs in a day’s play. Unchallengeable Clarke has yet to be dismissed in this series and has amassed 483 runs. He is also this year’s highest-scoring Test batsman with 1,265 runs at 140.55. At the close he was unconquered on 224. Hussey was bowled by Dale Steyn in the final over for 103 after raising his 18th century with a six off dispirited legspinner Imran Tahir, who finished the day wicketless for 159 off 21 overs. “It’s always the plan when you get on top to stay on top. When you grab momentum you’ve got to hang onto it for as long as possible,” Clarke said. “It’s a really positive day for the batting group but we’ve got a lot of work to do over the next four days to have a crack at winning this Test match, that’s for sure.” South Africa looked far from the world’s best team as their bowlers were hammered, after having the home side in trouble at 55 for three in the morning session. Warner wrested back control with a belligerent 119 off 112 balls and Clarke and Hussey carried on the run plunder. It was a thoroughly miserable day for the Proteas with three of their leading bowlers having injury concerns — Vernon Philander withdrawing before the match with a back problem and Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn leaving the ground during the day with hamstring trouble.