Michael Clarke has been ruled out of the remaining three Tests of the ongoing series and is a doubtful starter for the ICC ODI World Cup because of a tear in his right hamstring.
Much to the shock of everyone, the Australian captain said after the first Test concluded on Saturday, “There’s a chance I may never play again. I hope that does not happen. I’ll do everything in my power to get back on the park but have to be realistic and honest with myself.”
Batsman Shaun Marsh has been inducted for the second Test in Brisbane while left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc comes in as cover for Siddle, still not fully recovered from indisposition.
Clarke, injured while fielding on day five, said, “The experts are looking at the scans, I don’t know exactly how long I’m going to be out for.”
On his chances of being fit for the World Cup, he said, “Our first practice game before the World Cup is eight weeks away. I would love to take part in the tri-series, I’d love to take part in the World Cup but I just have to wait and see.”
Asked whether it was worth the risk to have played the Test and further gone back to bat and field after he had injured his back, Clarke replied, “This is the most important Test I have played (as a tribute to Phillip Hughes).”
He added, “I have no regrets.”
Clarke said, “India had just taken the second new ball, taken three wickets at the end of that day (first day), so I thought it was important that I got out there, and even if I couldn’t make runs, just see the new ball off.”
Clarke congratulated Brad Haddin for the manner in which he led the team. “If Brad is in the next three Tests as captain, he will do well.”
On Virat Kohli’s exceptional hundred, he said, “I remember Sachin playing like this years ago. Virat was something like that today. It was fantastic. Credit to him and Vijay.”
Asked about off-spinner Nathan Lyon’s 12-wicket match haul, Clarke responded, “Every single person in the change room knows how good he is. He is a match-winner.”
