After Michael Clarke’s dodgy back flared up on Day 1 of Australia’s Test opener against India, the pre-Test series fear that the Australian captain would struggle this Summer quickly became reality.
Remarkably, Clarke returned to the field on Day 2, driven by Australia’s loss of a string of quick wickets to end the first day. Australia was in need of a steadying force and despite clearly suffering the effects of the injury that saw him leave the field on 60 not out the previous day, Clarke went on to score a gallant century.
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The touching ton was a fitting salute to his “little buddy” Phillip Hughes, but in the wake of the tribute, focus must return to the reality of an injury that threatens to cripple the Australian captain throughout what is a crucial Summer of cricket.
The emotion that drove Clarke’s decision to take part in the first Test was entirely justified. In light of Hughes’ death, he simply had to play.
But as we settle into the Summer, decisions of fitness and selection will inevitably return to their more rational foundations. As they do we are immediately struck by one of the most crucial of these decisions – one that needs of an answer.
When commenting on Clarke’s injury, team physio Alex Kountouris, did not play down the significance of the injury.
“He hasn’t had anything like this in 18 months. It’s poor timing and he’s struggling at the moment,” he stated.
With the 2015 ODI World Cup just around the corner, the question then becomes whether Clarke is capable of being fit for Australia’s first game on February 14 if he is not ruled out of the remaining three Tests against India.
Clarke has never missed a home Test, and with the heightened significance of securing a victory in this series to honour a fallen mate, we can be sure he will fight to keep his place.
But if the prognosis handed down is that Clarke won’t be up to both completing the Test series and leading Australia at a home World Cup, then a swift decision needs to be made.
The simple question then becomes: what’s more important – a Test series versus India, or having the Australian captain in the best possible shape to play at a looming World Cup?
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