Michael Clarke is no certainty to play in the first Ashes Test in November after pulling out of Australia’s one-day tour of India kicking off next week.
Clarke’s degenerative back problem is in a pretty bad state and the 32-year-old took a noncommittal approach when his discussing his fitness with reporters.
“Where I sit now is I don’t know when I’ll be back playing cricket,” Clarke said Thursday.
“We have no idea how long it’s going to take, but in Australia I’ve got the physio in Sydney that I’ve been working with since I was 17 and I’m in consistent contact with (team physio) Alex Kountouris, who will fly back and forth from Melbourne to Sydney to see me and make sure I’m improving.”
The first Test begins in Brisbane on November 21, but Clarke’s up and down fitness may see the captain miss Australia’s chance at redemption after losing the English summer’s series 3-0.
“There’s certainly no guarantee at this stage. It’s hard for me to say that because I’m trying my best not to look at it like that.
“I’m always positive and if you ask me I’ll say I’ll be fit in a week’s time but if you ask Alex, who knows me very well, he’ll certainly say there’s doubt that I won’t be right (for the first Ashes Test). So I just need to make sure I do everything I can to give myself the best chance.”
Clarke also talked about his role in stepping down as a selector, saying “I think standing down as a selector has been one of the best things I’ve done since taking over the captaincy”.
Clarke said the decision has enabled him to spend more time with teammates and the group is stronger as a result.
“Instead of selection meetings and being on the phone for hours, I’m having coffee, lunch, breakfast with my team-mates now and trying to help all of us.
“They’re giving me their time as well to help me become a better player and a better captain. I have more time for them, definitely.”
Clarke skipped the Champions Trophy, but played in all five Ashes matches. He’ll use the next seven weeks to continue rehab and determine his fitness.
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