Vice-captain Michael Clarke’s bad back has piled fresh uncertainty on Australia’s build-up to the Ashes series while English is enjoying the advantage of an untroubled preparation.
Australian physiotherapist Alex Kountouris has confirmed that Clarke, who was unable to train with his teammates on Monday because of a back injury, is no certainty for the first match of the five-Test series, which starts at the Gabba ground on Thursday.
Clarke’s unavailability would load a new and weighty problem on an Australian team already hard-pressed by individual and collective form issues, selection doubts and the prospect of an opponent growing in confidence.
Koutouris said Clarke’s absence from training on Monday was part of a planned recovery program and his state of fitness was being constantly monitored.
“He’s in the process of recovery now (and) part of the plan was for him not to have a bat today and hopefully he’ll be available for the game,” Kountouris said.
While Australia trained without Clarke, England coach Andy Flower was sufficiently confident in his team’s Ashes preparation to give his players a day off. England won two and drew one of its three warm-up matches and was relieved to see all of its specialist batsmen and most of its bowlers show form at some time in those games.
Flower was focused on his own team’s preparation on Monday and not prepared to show any personal pleasure at Australia’s discomfort. “We’ve had some excellent preparation. The guys have played well and are feeling confident,” Flower said. “We’re just looking forward to getting started now, to the challenge. Everyone is really excited about being here.”
Flower said it would be foolish to underestimate Australia, particularly in Brisbane, which has been one of their favourite home grounds.
“They’ve got an outstanding record here,” he said. “In the last 20 games, they’ve won 16 and drawn four. That’s going to be quite a record to turn over.” Flowers said England has “done a few good things in the last 12 to 18 months “one of which was turning over that Lord’s record of not having beaten Australia there for 75 years.”
