Injury will not force Clarke to quit ODIs

michaelclarke

Clarke has struggled with back issues consistently throughout his career, but has recently been hit with a hamstring injury.

The 33-year-old has been ruled out of Australia's upcoming ODIs against Pakistan as he bids to be ready for the two Tests against the same nation, the first of which begins in Dubai on October 22. 

Clarke's troubles have led to speculation that he may opt to retire from the shorter formats of the game in order to focus on prolonging his Test career.

However, he has no intention of doing so. 

"I know there's been some talk about whether I should walk away from one-day cricket or how long I can play for, but I've had my back issues since I was 17 and I've managed to miss only one Test match out of 105 through my career," Clarke told the Cricket Australia website.

"I've also missed a few one-dayers but touch wood, to date I haven't missed any major tournaments.

"It's all part of playing sport at the highest level.

"You're going to get injured and it's about making sure you do the work to get back on the park, and while I've still got that drive to do that work and the love of the game I've got, I see no reason to consider walking away.

"You get a little kick in the guts, but you've got to get up and go again.

"It's not going to be the last injury I have."

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