Australia captain Michael Clarke’s selection for a limited-overs series in India next month is coming under increasing scrutiny after he returned from the losing Ashes series in England admitting he was “stiff and sore” after three months on tour.
Clarke and injured all-rounder Shane Watson were selected for the seven-match tour to India, while David Warner, wicketkeeper Matthew Wade and spinner Fawad Ahmed were omitted from the 14-man squad.
National selector John Inverarity said Clarke had been selected subject to fitness after his back condition “flared up again.”
Speculation is mounting in the Australian media that Clarke, who has long struggled with a back problem, won’t make the trip to India and instead should be preparing for the return Ashes series beginning in November.
New coach Darren Lehmann won’t be making the trip to India, with Cricket Australia revealed the former Test batsman would remain at home while fielding coach Steve Rixon takes control of the ODI squad for the tour.
