Michael Clarke on track for India Test series
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Australian skipper Michael Clarke is on track to play in the first Test against India this summer, with chairman of selectors Rod Marsh revealing the 33-year-old’s scans came up better than expected.
Clarke’s availability this summer was thrown in doubt when he re-injured his left hamstring while batting during Friday’s one-day win over South Africa at the WACA Ground.
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It was Clarke’s third hamstring injury since August, raising fears the 107-Test veteran would miss the first Test against India, starting in Brisbane on December 4.
But Marsh said the latest setback didn’t appear too bad.
“He saw a guy this morning and I’ve never seen a happier doctor on our team,” Marsh told Channel 9 on Sunday.
“He looked really happy with what’s going to happen, so I’m backing Michael Clarke to play.”
Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin is also on track to play in the first Test despite being ruled out of the entire ODI series against South Africa due to the shoulder injury he suffered in the UAE.
Clarke’s hamstring/back issues remain a big concern for Australia heading into a packed schedule that includes a World Cup early next year and an Ashes series in England.
Coach Darren Lehmann said he would leave it in Clarke’s hands as to whether he wants to continue playing one-day cricket beyond the World Cup.