Is Michael Clarke playing? No, he is not! Yes, he will! These are the speculations going around over Clarke’s availability for the series opener against India in Brisbane.
Clarke is named in the 12-member Australia team for the Brisbane Test, but it has not guaranteed his place in the playing XI. Cricket Australia (CA) has made it clear that the captain will have to prove his fitness to be part of the squad for the first Test.
Cricket Australia XI’s second practice match against India is Clarke’s last chance to prove his fitness to the selectors. This, however, is easier said than done, as Clarke has said that he is unavailable for the tour game, starting November 28.
“A final decision on his fitness has not yet been determined and he has not yet been ruled out of the tour match by the CA medical team,” a CA statement said. “Should Michael play the tour match and recover well, the selectors have said he will take his place in the Test side.”
Clarke, meanwhile, has taken a rigid stand to play the first Test, starting December 4, and despite ruling himself out of Adelaide practice match he is hoping to make the cut.
“I’ve been passed unfit to play the game in Adelaide. (Team physiotherapist) Alex Kountouris and the medical team at Australian cricket have ruled me out of that game,” Clarke said late yesterday.
“I would hope with my experience, the selectors, my teammates, Cricket Australia staff would respect my opinion there and no way will I take that field for Australia if I am going to let anybody down,” he added.
It is unlikely that Australian board will chance its stand on the current situation, seeing the injuries Clarke has sustained in the recent times. This is the third time in last 12 months that the Aussie skipper has suffered a breakdown.
Moreover, Australia has a history of not allowing anyone to play, who is less than 100 per cent fit. As in 2009, the CA didn’t draft Bret Lee into the side, despite speedster’s plea that he has recovered from a side strain.
“If he is not able to get up for the CA XI game, and given his history with this recurring injury, he will be ruled out of any cricket this week and the first Test and our focus will shift to getting him fit to play the second Test in Adelaide commencing on Friday, 12 December,” it added.
