Michael Clarke to miss India tour due to back injury, Callum Ferguson named as replacement

Michael Clarke’s back has been a serious and regular issue for the Aussie skipper

As was feared earlier, Michael Clarke will miss the tour of India due to his back injury, from which he hasn’t fully recovered yet.

The National Selection Panel (NSP) named 28-year-old right-hand batsman Callum Ferguson as the replacement for the injured Clarke on Cricket Australia’s website today.

Last month, CA announced the 14-man squad for Australia’s tour of India, naming Clarke as the captain of the site, but the final call was expected to be taken depending on his recovery from the chronic back injury, which surfaced again during the end of the recent ODI series against England.

George Bailey has been named the skipper of the ODI side in Clarke’s absence.

Announcing the changes, National Selector John Inverarity said today, “Michael was very keen to captain the ODI team to India but unfortunately he hasn’t progressed enough to be available for selection.

“His replacement is Callum Ferguson, whose form in 50-over cricket during the last Australian summer was impressive, scoring 271 runs at an average of 45 and a strike rate of 70 in the Ryobi Cup, along with an additional three matches for Australia A against the England Lions in February scoring 149 runs in three innings at 49.66 with a strike rate of 91.”“George Bailey will captain the ODI team in Michael’s absence. Brad Haddin will be George’s vice-captain.For the lone T20I, 21-year-old left-hander Nic Maddison has been named Clarke’s replacement in the side.

“In addition, The NSP has added Nic Maddinson to the squad for the T20 fixture. Nic showed some sparkling form on Australia A tours during the winter.

“He will be in strong contention to open the batting with Aaron Finch in this game,” Inverarity said.

Team Physiotherapist Alex Kountoris has emphasised on the need of Clarke undergoing extensive rehabilitation before thinking of playing competitive cricket again.

“Michael Clarke has a longstanding low back injury that requires ongoing management.

“During the recent England ODI series his injury flared up again and has been slow to improve with his regular treatment regime.

“Michael will therefore not be available to play the upcoming India ODI series and will require a more extensive rehabilitation period before returning to competitive cricket,” Kountoris said.

Yesterday, India also announced its 15-member squad for the tour which commences from 10th October.