http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 on Boxing Day – Cricket News Update
The Australian deputy and star all-rounder, Shane Watson, is likely to captain the home side against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Clarke-c1978 continues to struggle with a hamstring strain, in the ongoing Hobart Test.
Leading the team in the ongoing game at Bellerive Oval, Clarke appeared to have hurt his hamstring while running between the wickets during the second innings. He sought treatment from the team’s physio, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Alex-Kountouris-c43123, and then declared himself retired
hurt. Even after the demise of the 9th Kangaroo wicket, the skipper could not come out to resume his innings on 57.
Despite taking the field on the fourth day after overnight treatment, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 stays highly doubtful for the second Test, scheduled for December 26, 2012.
“It is a distinct possibility, it would be a really good challenge for Shane. We'll learn a lot about Shane and his leadership ability, I'm confident he will come through it very well. If it does materialise, it will be a really good opportunity for him,”
shared http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mickey-Arthur-c1969.
When asked about a possible replacement for Clarke at Melbourne, the coach replied, “That batter, whoever it is, would have to be part of our extended squad. There are possibilities. [Brad] Haddin's one of them, [http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Robin-James-Boyd-Moss-c86323] Quiney's one of them and certainly Usman
Khawaja's very much in the frame. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Alex-Doolan-c983 has played well also.”
Arthur also conveyed that it was important for the skipper to take the field on the final day, with continuous overnight and break-time treatment, to clinch Australia’s first Test victory at home this summer.
“You would have to cut Michael's leg off for him not to be out there,” shared Arthur.
Apart from Clarke, fast bowler http://www.senore.com/Cricket/BW-Hilfenhaus-c1204 also incurred a side injury during the game and is likely to miss out on the remaining Test series.
Named as Clarke’s deputy in March 2011, Watto is expected to play his first game as Captain of the Australian side. After being asked to bat at No.4 following http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ricardo-Gouveia-c84824 Ponting’s recent retirement, leading the side will serve as another challenge for the 31-year-old.
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