Clarke to miss Pakistan ODIs

MichaelClarke_high_s

The Australia captain has been diagnosed with a "significant hamstring injury" and, as such, will take no part in the three-game 50-over series in the United Arab Emirates, which gets under way on October 7.

Cricket Australia (CA) are hopeful that Clarke will be fit for the two Tests that follow at the end of next month, but his condition will be monitored before any decision is made.

In a statement released on Tuesday, CA physiotherapist Alex Kountouris commented: "Since returning to Australia, Michael has had a series of investigations that have confirmed a significant hamstring injury.

"Importantly, the scans have demonstrated tendon damages, which complicates the recovery from this injury.

"As such, he will not recover in time to be available for the ODI series in the UAE.

"We are hopeful that he will be available for the Test series, but this will be determined at a date closer to the first Test." 

Clarke, 33, initially sustained the issue during training ahead of his team's tri-series opener against Zimbabwe last month, before aggravating it in that match.

Australia's chief selector Rod Marsh said last week that he was "not confident" Clarke would be available for the Tests against Pakistan, the first of which begins on October 22.

Author(s)