Clarke sets sights on century

Rikki Clarke will dream about scoring a Test century here tomorrow after helping to rescue England from the brink of embarrassment.

The Surrey all-rounder went out to bat today with his side tottering on 134 for four after a sudden collapse against Test minnows Bangladesh.

But Clarke, playing only his second Test, responded by making an undefeated 53 and sharing in an unbroken stand of 103 with Nasser Hussain.

By the close, England were back on track at 237 for four - and Clarke was starting to think about tomorrow.

"A hundred is always in the back of your mind once you get a good start to an innings," said the 22-year-old. "I will just try to take every ball as it comes tomorrow and try to edge my way towards it."

Never mind edging, most of Clarke's shots today were nicely middled as he found a perfect mix of caution with aggression.

During England's sevenwicket First Test victory in Dhaka last week, Clarke went too far into his shell when faced with an equally tricky position. He scored only 14 runs from 93 balls before being dismissed. "I just found it a bit easier to play shots on this pitch," he said.

Clarke's debut a week ago ended with him being fined £2,750 for a verbal outburst against one of Bangladesh's batsmen. Today, though, he was all smiles. "I accept the fine and have just tried to put it behind me," he said.

Clarke is only playing here because Andrew Flintoff pulled out of this tour with a groin problem. But Flintoff will be back for the Tests in Sri Lanka and bursting to regain his place.

"I'm sure 'Freddie' will come back into the side but I've got to make sure I'm not the one who makes way," said Clarke.

England had lost Marcus Trescothick ( 60), Mark Butcher (6), captain Michael Vaughan (54) and Graham Thorpe (0) in the space of 27 balls after an opening stand of 126.

But Clarke and Hussain made sure Bangladesh were kept at bay after that. Gareth