Michael Clarke doubtful for opening ODI of the tri-series in Zimbabwe

Michael Clarke likely to sit out of Australia’s opening ODI against Zimbabwe

Australian skipper Michael Clarke is in doubt for Australia’s opening match of the tri-series involving Zimbabwe and South Africa in Harare, Zimbabwe, after tweaking his left hamstring during Australia’s training session on Friday. The middle-order batsman took no further part in training, and he headed straight to the Australian dressing room to undergo some treatment on his hamstring.

If Clarke does not recover in time for Australia’s opening ODI against Zimbabwe, on Monday, the current vice-captain George Bailey will deputize for the 33-year old.

"We will monitor his condition closely over the next 24 hours to see how he responds to further treatment before making a decision on his management," team physiotherapist David Beakley said.

Australia are unlikely to take any risk with Clarke’s fitness, with a hectic period of cricket coming up over the course of the next 12 months. Australia will be touring the UAE for an ODI and Test series against Pakistan in October-November. Soon after, there is India’s tour of Australia for a 4-match Test series in December followed by the 50-over World Cup on home soil, which will take place in February-March, not to forget the all-important defense of the Ashes, in England, in July-August next year.

Clarke’s injury might mean a comeback for Phillip Hughes, who was included in the squad as a replacement for the injured Shane Watson, into the Australian ODI side. Hughes last played ODI cricket for Australia during the one-day series in India last year, but he was dropped, subsequently, for the ODIs in their home summer against England. Since then Hughes has been scoring a truckload of runs for Australia A in both 4-day and List A cricket, and he deserves another crack at forging a successful international career with Australia.