Clarke’s participation in Sri Lanka ODI unconfirmed – Cricket News Update
With an impending match against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Lions-c808 at Hobart, which led to his missing the last ODI against India.
“One of the uncertainties at the moment is still Michael Clarke's fitness,” national selector http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Robert-John-Inverarity-c85980 said, explaining that the skipper would be handled with caution. “We think he's going to be okay for Friday, but we're certainly going to have a low-risk strategy. If he's 'just about right', I don't think we'll play him. But I think he'll be okay.”
The series has been interspersed with injuries for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RT-Ponting-c2377, who has since been dropped from the squad, filled in for him, and the 30-year-old managed to resume his role as captain in the 9th match against Sri Lanka at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart, on February 24.
However, his back began to trouble him halfway through the match, and he was seen stretching out on the ground several times, in order to relive the soreness. Despite his discomfort, he went on to score a healthy 72, which, however, was unable to win the match for his team.
Owing to his back injury, he missed the encounter against India on February 26, with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SR-Watson-c2558 stepping in as substitute captain, and leading the team to an 87-run victory.
“Michael's back was sore during the last ODI in Hobart on Friday night,” team physio, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Alex-Kountouris-c43123 confirmed. “He has already improved significantly in the short period since Friday's game and we are confident he will be available for our next match against Sri Lanka in Melbourne.”
However, with the match in question just two days away, Clarke’s return to the playing XI looks doubtful. Shane Watson is likely to take charge again, and meanwhile the right-hander just might make it back in time for the series finals, which are due to begin on March 4, in Brisbane.
Tags: