Clarke unlikely for next match

Michael Clarke’s chances of playing Australia’s next match in the NatWest Series, against Bangladesh tomorrow at Old Trafford, are at best iffy. The all-rounder has been struggling with a back injury, which forced him to miss the previous game against England yesterday.

Clarke is undergoing treatment under the guidance of the Australian physio, Errol Alcott, who said, “He is improving and responding favourably to treatment, but it is unlikely that he will be available tomorrow. We will continue to monitor his progress over the next couple of days.”

Clarke’s scores thus far on the England tour have been reasonable, compared to some of his team-mates who seem to have been struggling; however, he might not be missed as sorely as otherwise, since Andrew Symonds made a cogent return to the middle-order in his absence, following a two-match suspension.