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Australian Test and one day cricket captain Michael Clarke will continue his recovery from hamstring surgery this weekend in Sydney Grade cricket, when he takes to the field for Western Suburbs as a batsman only.
Clarke injured his hamstring in the first Test against India earlier this summer, after also suffering an injury in the one day series against South Africa.
He has battled back and hamstring injuries for much of his career, but these have worsened in the last year, meaning Clarke has missed a large chunk of cricket with the national side.
Clarke will play this weekend, but will not field, and if he gets through unscathed resume training with the squad in Brisbane. He will then look to play in the Cricket Australia XI match against Bangladesh on February 5, fielding in a limited capacity while playing as a batsman.
Alex Kountouris, Australian team physiotherapist said that “Michael is making good progress following his injury and the subsequent surgery six weeks ago, and the fixture in Sydney this weekend when he will play only as a batsman, and next week’s match in Brisbane, where he will play as a batsman with a limited fielding role, are all part of a gradual return to competitive action.
“We are determined to maintain a conservative approach to the management of Michael’s recovery but should he come through these matches without any adverse reaction, he remains on target to return as per our original schedule, for the second match of Australia’s ICC Cricket World Cup campaign, against Bangladesh in Brisbane on 21 February.”
Clarke said he was pleased to have a schedule for his recovery, and will finally get to play for his Grade club after being overruled by Cricket Australia earlier this year.
“I am really happy to be playing for my Grade club this weekend and regard this as a positive step on my road to a return to full fitness,” Clarke said.
“It is exciting to be at this stage where I can consider walking onto a cricket field again and so, thanks to the guidance of the Cricket Australia medical staff and with the work I have put in, the signs are positive.
“But at the same time I know I have to respect the fact that I am on a daily programme and there is no point in us getting too far ahead of ourselves. I know I need to take things one step and one day at a time and so, for now, all I am doing is focusing on things day by day and with a belief in a positive outcome.”
Clarke is hoping to be fit for the second game of the Cricket World Cup.
This schedule follows Fairfax reports of deep divisions within the Australian team, and a push to have Steve Smith instated as team captain.
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