Michael Clarke’s participation in the fourth and final Test against India is shrouded in uncertainty due to his sore back, which has opened up the possibility of Shane Watson taking over the mantle in case of the regular skipper missing out.
Clarke said that in case of his absence, Watson, one of four players to be suspended on disciplinary ground ahead of the third Test, will lead the side in the match starting in Delhi from March 22.
On being suspended for failing to submit to coach Mickey Arthur a presentation on how to improve his and the team’s performance in the series, a furious Watson had left the tour in haste, preferring to be with his wife at the time of the birth of their baby.
But the equation between the all-rounder and the team management has improved over the past few days, with Watson flying back to India for the final game.
Asked about his back problem, Clarke said, “It is pretty sore, fortunately we’ve got a few days before the next Test so I want to spend as much time with (physio) Alex (Kountouri) to get it right.
“It is the same problem I’ve had since I was 17 years of age and I’ve been trying to manage it through my career. The next four days will be no different and I will have plenty of treatment and try to get it right,” he added.
Clarke had been on and off the field many a times during India’s innings on Sunday, leaving the responsibility to lead the side to Brad Haddin.
