Michael Clarke fractured shoulder during Cape Town ton

Michael Clarke

Australia’s captain Michael Clarke has fractured his left shoulder during his tricky century at Newlands against South Africa. He was hit on the shoulder twice by Morne Morkel and subsequently he went on to score a magnificent century which in turn helped Australia to seal the series.

At the time, Clarke didn’t know he had a problem with his shoulder. He went for scan in order to play the Sheffield Shield final for New South Wales. The scans revealed Clarke fractured his left shoulder and has to take rest to overcome the fractured shoulder.

Alex Kountouris, Cricket Australia’s physio said that Clarke’s injury will mend with a period of rest. The injury also means that Clarke will not take part for New South Wales for the Sheffield Shield final.

“Michael Clarke was injured as a result of being struck on the left shoulder during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town,” Kountouris said. “We have since done a series of scans that have demonstrated a fracture near his shoulder joint. We expect that this will heal with a period of rest. Michael is therefore unavailable for the Sheffield Shield final to be played later this week.”

Clarke’s unbeaten 161 in the first innings sealed the deal for Australia against South Africa in the Test series. Morkel posed several problems to Michael Clarke with short-pitched deliveries. Clarke was hit on forearms, elbow, helmet and shoulder before scoring a fighting century.