Australia all-rounder Shane Watson tipped skipper Michael Clarke to slam a hundred against India in the Adelaide Test, starting Tuesday, in honour of Phillip Hughes, who tragically lost his life after being hit by a bouncer in a Sheffield Shield game.
Clarke has since been leading from the front and was seen by the side of the Hughes family after their son was declared dead at the St Vincent's Hospital. The 33-year-old batsman also impressed with an emotional eulogy at Hughes' funeral and has been hailed by former Aussie cricketers for his leadership off the field.
Watson, who is making a comeback into the Australian side after an injury said he expected nothing short of a hundred from his captain once the first of four Tests gets under way from December 9. He said Clarke looked fit and he would be ready for what would be an undoubtedly emotional match for the hosts.
"Michael was running around the field with no problems yesterday," Watson told the Nine Network. "There'll be no doubt that he'll be ready to go in such an emotional Test match."
"I'd be extremely surprised if he didn't peel off another hundred because he's certainly got a lot to play for, as we all do."
Australia have lined up a series of events to commemorate Hughes, who was earmarked for greatness. The Baggy Greens will wear Hughes' Test number 408 on their jerseys and caps. Hughes has also been named as the 13th man of the squad.
There will be a 63-second applause for Hughes, who remained 63 not out when he was hit by Sean Abbott's fatal bouncer.