He was watching The Break Up, which stars Aniston and Vince Vaughn and is about a couple whose split becomes nasty and bitter.
Given how Clarke's personal and professional life have been entwined this year, the irony was too tantalising and impossible to ignore.
Even yesterday, a Sydney newspaper was comparing his average before and after his split from fiancee Lara Bingle in March.
It was the same newspaper that said he was on the nose with senior players, something a litany of senior players immediately shot down.
A clash of personalities instead of losing the dressing-room seems more plausible, but either way the story hurt Clarke.
As Australia clung to the prospect of rain and a draw, Clarke set about hushing his critics in the only manner he can: with runs.
They are a precious commodity for the Australian top-order these days, but few batsmen needed them more than the vice-captain.
But just when you thought it was safe to say Clarke had muffled some of his critics came the play of the match when a thick inside edge off the bowling of Kevin Pietersen was caught by Alastair Cook at short leg.
He initially walked, then stopped until the visitors demanded the decision head upstairs. Replays showed it had come off his bat.
As Clarke's head hit the pillow last night, you can bet he wasn't watching a romantic comedy but thinking of the one at hand: Australia saving the second Test.
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