The Australian captain is on course to be player of the series. No one in the world is currently batting betterFriday was a day of few consolations for England. In fact by midday it was torture, not even of the drip, drip variety, so rapidly did the Australians advance. The ball spilled between fielders, over fielders (12 sixes were hit in the innings surpassing the record of 10 set by England at Edgbaston in 2005); half-chances were spurned; Brad Haddin was caught off a no ball. Ryan Harris batted like Wally Hammond.Australia sped to an unbeatable position. I know England were 551-6 declared (stupidly) here in 2006 and lost and that Australia clocked up 556 in their first innings against India in 2003 and were defeated. But lightning does not strike thrice.So where are the glimmers? Well, taking a thrashing from Australia in Adelaide is not unique. In their last six matches here Australia have notched 500 or more. It's what they do in Adelaide, where Michael Clarke averages 104 and Haddin 121. However this did not feel like a par performance from England.One consolation is that Ben Stokes felt the elation of taking his first Test wicket – twice. When Haddin was on 51 he celebrated with abandon, high fives and beaming smiles all round. Then it became apparent that the delivery edged to Matt Prior was illegal. Stokes' front foot was just over the line.This incident almost found the players crossing a line as well, that mythical line which they constantly speak of even though no one knows where it lies. At the end of Stokes' over the substantial form of umpire Marais Erasmus had to stand between batsman and bowler. Neither Haddin nor Stokes could believe their luck and tensions were running high.So it seemed an age for Stokes to wait for his first scalp. Then a loosener, the first ball of a new spell and a legal one and somehow Clarke spooned the ball to mid-wicket. Stokes had looked raw but exceptionally willing throughout, his action smooth and fire in the belly; this time the high fives could continue as Clarke made his way to the pavilion. Soon after Stokes dispatched Peter Siddle as well.So two wickets for 70 from18 overs was not so shabby. Nor was Clarke a bad player to have as a maiden Test victim. The Australian captain is on course to be the player of the series, emulating Ian Bell last summer. No one in the world is currently batting better – or with such intent.Clarke has talked about his side playing the "Australian" way, by which he means batting and bowling aggressively, taking the game to the opposition.On Friday he was as good as his word, albeit with one slice of luck. To his very first ball from Monty Panesar he darted down the pitch and was driving. From the outside edge the ball spooned over the cover fieldsmen; it could have gone anywhere.This escape did not prompt any wariness from Clarke and thereafter he hardly failed to middle another ball. If the fielders were up against the spinners he cleared them; if back he patted the ball in their direction for a gentle single in an innings of beautiful simplicity. This is the Clarke that is beguiling a nation wih superb elegant batsmanship, far more endearing and convincing than when he tries to play the rough, foul-mouthed sledger of old. The pendulum has swung rapidly. Of the two captains heading for their 100th Test in Perth, Cook is the one feeling the heat and tormented by the opposition's premier paceman.But Clarke could not avoid becoming the first victim for Stokes, which prompted a straw-clutching consolation for desolate Poms craving 2010-11 but seemingly witnessing 2006-07. Perhaps down the line Stokes, still only 22 years of age, would be the all-rounder that England always crave.It is, of course, preposterous to expect too much too soon. Stokes is still a rookie and there were moments when he looked like one out there. There are many miles for him to travel before he can hope to be a regular in the England line-up. But (and I sense that "but" will have been anticipated) there is just the odd parallel with giants of the past.Like Tony Greig, Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff, Stokes does not always obey the rules (he was sent home from last winter's A tour for a few excesses).And there is the small matter of that first Test wicket. For Greig it was Ian Chappell out first ball to him at Manchester in 1972; for Botham it was Greg Chappell bowled off the inside edge at Trent Bridge in 1977; for Flintoff it was Jacques Kallis also at Nottingham in 1998. And for Stokes it was Clarke on Friday. There is a pattern here, albeit surrounded by great big bales of straw. They all began by dismissing the best in the world.Ashes 2013-14CricketThe AshesEngland cricket teamAustralia cricket teamAustralia sportMichael ClarkeVic Markstheguardian.com © 2013 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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