A significant hamstring injury has ruled out Australia skipper Michael Clarke out of the forthcoming ODI series against Pakistan in UAE.
Clarke picked up the injury during tri-series in Zimbabwe and was in race against time to become fit for the Pakistan series. But Cricket Australia (CA) physiotherapist Alex Kountouris informed that Clarke will be unavailable for the series.
“Since returning to Australia Michael has had a series of investigations that have confirmed a significant hamstring injury,” Kountouris said. “Importantly, the scans have demonstrated tendon damage 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,” he added. “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.”
George Bailey, who also captained Australia in the Zimbabwe tri-series, is expected to fill in for Clarke in the ODI series, starting October 7.
