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Australia's captain Michael Clarke
is expected to be ruled out of the forthcoming limited-overs tour to
India due to his chronic back troubles. Clarke was named subject to
fitness in the 14-man squad to play seven ODIs after he complained of
soreness and restricted movement during the closing stages of the long
England tour.
However medical staff and the national selectors are conscious of
ensuring Clarke is as fit as possible for the Ashes home series to
follow, and ESPNcricinfo understands he is likely to be prescribed a
period of rest following his exertions in England. This would be a
similar outcome to that which followed the end of the India Test tour in
March, when Clarke missed the final match of the series.
At the time, Clarke stated he would let the "experts" decide on his
fitness for the IPL that followed soon after, and he was duly ruled out
of his duties for Pune in the Twenty20 tournament. Clarke spoke in
distinctly similar terms when assessing his chances of making the India
ODI tour this time around.
"For me right now it's about getting on the phone to Alex Kountouris,
the Australian physio, and communicating with him as I have been over
the last couple of weeks since he's been back in Australia and we'll
make a plan from there," Clarke said. "No doubt it's quite stiff and
sore but I'll be guided by the experts on what I need to do now to try
and get myself as fit as I can be."
Clarke played the final match of the England ODI series as he
successfully sought a winning end to a difficult tour for him and his
team. Darren Lehmann, the Australia coach, said that Clarke had insisted
on playing at Southampton despite his discomfort, but would be placed
in the hands of medical staff to judge his ability to make the India
trip.
In Clarke's absence, George Bailey would then lead the team through the
series in addition to the opening T20 fixture, while possible
replacement batsmen include Callum Ferguson and Nic Maddinson. David
Warner is not thought to be in contention for an immediate ODI recall.
Staying at home would allow Clarke the chance to recover fully from his
present ailment while also offering extra time to prepare for the Ashes
Tests at home, a series that he will be under significant pressure to
win having gathered intelligence and confidence against England in the
latter stages of the Tests in the northern hemisphere. He may also have
the chance to take part in more Sheffield Shield matches prior to the
first Test at the Gabba.
The back condition that has affected Clarke at numerous junctures across
his career is not entirely linked to fatigue, as shown when it reared
soon after his arrival in England earlier this year, ruling him out of
the Champions Trophy. However regular rest over time may allow his
career to go on further than it might if he maintains a diet of constant
cricket.
Daniel Brettig is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. He tweets here
Feeds: Daniel Brettig
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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