In a touring party brimming with experienced campaigners, Clarke is viewed as the future of Australian cricket.

After just a few months at Test level the 24-year-old has cast doubt over the hope that this all-conquering team is destined for a rapid decline as retirements take their toll.

Already earmarked as a future Australia captain, Clarke is a flamboyant shotmaker who had to bide his time at one-day level before making his Test breakthrough.

There was plenty of pressure on the Sydney native's shoulders as he had signed the biggest sponsorship deal in Australian cricket history – A$1.25million with Slazenger-Dunlop – before he had even been capped.

But that seemed of little concern upon arriving at the crease at 149-4 on debut in Bangalore.

He made 151 to claim the man-of-the-match and set Australia on their way to a first series win in India in 35 years.

Later in the tour he produced an extraordinary 6-9 with his left-arm spin in Mumbai while his lively fielding completes the make-up of an accomplished modern cricketer.

This image is confirmed off the field where his interests include a love of Ferraris and admiration for David Beckham and Britney Spears.

Already established in the Australian team at one-day level, Clarke is not short of box-office potential himself.

His first Ashes experience offers the chance to fulfil that by making the transition to established performer in this most competitive of teams.

But he will be mindful that a number of his fellow tourists have spent their mid-20s in the wilderness following the smallest of errors.

Even for a player of Clarke's talent and reputation, there remains scant room for underachievement this summer.

After making just 138 in his last eight innings, the pressure on Australian cricket's chosen one is already intense.