Clarke celebrates return with big knock

A 305-run target was never going to be easy for UAE, but the writing on the wall was plain to see by the 13th over itself. UAE was 43 for 4 at that stage, and couldn't arrest the slide once it began. Swapnil Patil top scored with 31, one of four batsmen to reach double digits, as the side folded in 30.1 overs.

Clarke didn't hesitate to bat first after winning the toss at Melbourne Cricket Ground. He opened the batting, in place of David Warner, who was rested for the game, and though he looked a bit scratchy at the start, the runs soon started flowing from his blade. Aaron Finch (61) and Clarke both hit half-centuries but after a 123-run opening stand, the pair fell in quick succession to Nasis Aziz.

Though Shane Watson (34) didn't last long, Steve Smith and George Bailey came together for a 67-run partnership for the fourth wicket to continue UAE's agony. Aziz picked up his third wicket, trapping Smith in front for 59, while Krishna Chandran snapped up three wickets as well, including that of Bailey (46). But the damage had been done as Australia went past 300.

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