Clarke retires hurt with another back injury
Australia could be without captain Michael Clarke for the remainder of the first Test, and even the series against India, after he was forced to retire hurt at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.
Clarke had batted for much of the day, reaching 60 alongside centurion David Warner, but the skipper's lower back went into spasm just before tea and he could not continue. The injury is a long-term one, and a constant concern.
A Cricket Australia spokesperson said: "Clarke hurt his lower back while batting and is in considerable pain. He left the ground for further assessment and we hope to provide an update post play."
If Clarke cannot return to the field, the captaincy will be taken over by Brad Haddin, who would have been skipper if Clarke's hamstring injury had not healed in time. The two persistent complaints are thought to be connected.
More to follow…
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