This time last week, Australian high performance manager Pat Howard was all-but ruling Clarke out of the entire four-Test series against India that starts with a first clash in Brisbane.
But with news coming through that the Australian skipper’s left hamstring injury isn’t as bad as first thought, Clarke could well be fit to lead the side out onto the Gabba for the first Test on December 4.
However, in a bid to help Clarke play against India, Cook, the skipper of Western Suburbs, Clarke’s grade side, appears to have engineered a chance for Clarke to prove his fitness, although it may have come at a cost.
According to News Corp reports, the Australian skipper was meant to be released to play in the grade competition next Saturday and Cook wanted his side to be batting on that day, so Clarke would have every chance to show he was fit.
Problems arose with this plan, though, when Parramatta won the toss and sent Western Suburbs in to bat.
As a result, a determined Cook only allowed his side to bat for a few overs before declaring at 0-17 and sending Parrramatta in.
“We understand Wests may have taken this action to increase the probability of Australian captain Michael Clarke batting in the second week of the game,” said Cricket NSW chief executive Andrew Jones in a statement.
“While Cricket NSW and the Sydney Cricket Association are conscious of the broader interest of Australian cricket, and appreciate the thinking behind this gesture, we are also conscious of the need to main the integrity of the Sydney Grade competition.
“Consequently we will investigate the full facts and evaluate Wests’ actions at the conclusion of the round.”