Michael Clarke says he is unsure whether he will be fit in time to play in Australia’s opening Test match against Pakistan in the UAE.
The Australian captain contradicted recent comments made by coach Darren Lehmann declaring Clarke “fine” for the first of two Tests in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, saying Tuesday that his hamstring has a “a long way to go” before next Wednesday’s series opener.
“I don’t know if ‘fine’ is right,” Clarke said at a press conference in Sharjah. “I still think there’s a long way to go before I’m 100 per cent fit for the Test match.”
“For me that’s about proving my fitness to Alex (Kountouris, the team physio) more than anybody else.
“I think Alex knows my body really well, he knows what’s required to be able to play at 100 per cent in a Test match and perform.”
Clarke is no certainty to play in Wednesday’s warm-up clash with Pakistan A, even after arriving in the UAE earlier than the rest of the squad to launch an extended fitness preparation.
The 33-year-old’s troublesome hamstring has held up well in the nets, but it’s the leg speed required between wickets which worries Clarke.
“I don’t think it’s the batting, I think it’s more the running, being able to run between the wickets,” Clarke added.
“My speed (is) a big part of my game, be it in the field or in my batting.
“(And) I need strength so that when my body is fatigued I still have the power to get through the crease or run between the wickets or chase a ball in the field.”
Opening batsman David Warner has been pulled from this week’s friendly after sustaining a groin injury in Australia’s one-run sweep of the third and final ODI clash in Dubai.
“I’ve just done something to my groin, but I’ll be okay,” Warner said. “I’ll go and see ‘Lex’ (Kountouris) and hopefully it’s only a week thing. I’ve had it before; I had it about three or four years ago and it’s just like a tight strain so I’m in good hands here.”
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