MICHAEL Clarke’s left hamstring injury is believed to be serious enough to rule him out of the entire limited-overs portion of Australia’s looming West Indies tour. He is therefore set to miss tomorrow’s third final against Sri Lanka. After leading his side to an eight-wicket defeat in the second triangular series final in Adelaide, Clarke said he was unsure of the extent of the strain that affected him during his century in the afternoon. He took the field in the evening as the Sri Lankans drew level.
Clarke is due to undergo scans on his hamstring today, however ESPNcricinfo understands the strain is likely to be serious enough to rule him out for up to four weeks, putting the captain in a fight to be fit for the Test matches in the Caribbean, and almost certain to miss the ODIs.
The first Test will begin in Barbados on April 7.
This scenario would leave the vice-captain Shane Watson to lead Australia in the West Indies for the early part of the tour, with Clarke’s arrival possibly delayed to allow him time to recuperate at home.
George Bailey and Nathan Lyon, both set to travel to the Caribbean, have been called in as reinforcements for the third final against Sri Lanka tomorrow.
Clarke is not the only injury doubt for Australia, with the fast bowler James Pattinson also likely to miss the third final. (ESPN Cricinfo)