Australian century-maker David Warner says captain Michael Clarke's incredible form with the bat is providing an inspiration for all members of the team.
Warner was the first of three Australian batsmen to reach triple figures on day one of the Adelaide Test against South Africa, when the hosts posted their second highest single-day Test total in history.
After a shaky start that saw Australia stumble to 3 for 55, Clarke's men finished the day at 5 for 482.
Clarke remains unbeaten on 224, making him the first batsmen to post a score in excess of 200 four times in a calendar year.
It follows his 259 not out in the first Test at the Gabba.
Warner made 119 off just 112 balls, while Michael Hussey scored a second successive Test century before being bowled on the last ball of the day for 103.
Warner says Clarke continues to lead Australia by example and is flourishing as a great skipper.
"He's set a great precedent for anyone following in his footsteps as a captain and a leader," Warner told Grandstand.
"It was a phenomenal effort by him."
Clarke's latest double-ton came off 243 balls, including 39 fours and one six.
It continues an amazing year for the Australian captain which began with 329 not out against India at the SCG in January.
He went on to score 210 against India in Adelaide and is yet to be dismissed by the Proteas in this series.
Clarke says he is more excited by what the team has achieved rather than his own incredible batting efforts.
"It's nice to be making runs, don't get me wrong, but you don't really think about that to be honest," he told Grandstand.
"I see 482 on the board and I want to make some more runs tomorrow and do whatever we can to win this Test.
"It is only day one of the Test with four big days to go. We have to turn up tomorrow morning and be ready to win the Test."
Clarke says when he is scoring runs he just wants to cash in to make the most of his form.
"I'm as fit as I've ever been, that's for sure," he said.
"Physically and mentally I have done the work and I guess that is why I manage to make big scores or bat for long periods of time."
Deflecting praise from his own effort, Clarke applauded the courage of Warner and the consistency of Hussey.
Warner says he headed into this Test confident of doing well despite suggestions he was under pressure to hold his spot following a disappointing performance in Brisbane.
"There was a little bit of pressure on myself, a lot of reports in the papers trying to say there was a lot of pressure on me, but I never felt it," Warner said.
"The preparation I had before the Test was fantastic, I hit a lot of balls in the nets."
Warner's mum and dad were in the stands to watch him notch his third Test century, but the opener says there was someone else also on his mind.
"My pop is always watching over me and I always know he is there. I had faith in him to get me there today," he said.
Tags: cricket, sport, adelaide-5000, sa, australia First posted November 22, 2012 19:48:43