Australia's Michael Clarke celebrates his century on the second day of their third cricket test match against South Africa in Cape Town, March 2, 2014. At left is South Africa's Vernon Philander.
Australia's Michael Clarke celebrates his century on the second day of their third cricket test match against South Africa in Cape Town, March 2, 2014. At left is South Africa's Vernon Philander. Mike Hutchings

At the end of first day's play we got exactly what we had expected, two teams going hard at each other from the word go. After 89.2 overs Australia are 354/6 after winning the toss in the morning and electing to bat first. The first session belonged to Australia when they finished with 113/2 with David Warner batting at 77 and Michael Clarke at 9. Between lunch and tea they extended their innings but Michael Clarke retired hurt because of the recurrence of his back problem. The last session belonged to India when they priced out four wickets with Steven Smith still at the crease with 72 runs to his name.

This brings us to the question what to expect on day two of this Test Match. The first point of deliberation will be how long can the Australian tail wag and the first session will be very important. If the Australian lower order manage to partner Steven Smith and they add another 100 runs then they will have a decent first innings score on the board. If on the other hand India manage to bowl out the tail within 50 odd runs then India will be happy with their first innings bowling effort.

The second point in contention will be Michael Clarke's Injury. Michael Clarke's back injury might have larger implications not only for this Test Match but further down the series as well. The best situation for Australia will be if he comes back to bat in the remainder of the innings. Remember it becomes very difficult to win a Test Match with any ten players but if your captain goes out injured then it becomes even more difficult.

Finally one will have to review the Indian top order. After Australia finish their innings and the Indian openers come out to bat they should expect a fiery opening spell from Mitchell Johnson and co. How the Indian top order cope with it will eventually provide us the answer as to where this Test Match is headed. If the first day is anything to go by, expect an even more fierce battle on the cards on Wednesday at the Adelaide Oval.