JOIN USIndia and Australia suffered major blows after two of their key players were rendered highly doubtful for the final Test in Delhi beginning March 22.
While India may miss their star performer in the third Test Shikhar Dhawan after the opener hurt a finger on his left hand during fielding on Sunday, Australia may have to make do without their skipper Michael Clarke who hurt his back while warming up on Sunday morning.
"My fingers are crossed, I will be doing everything I can to give myself the best chance," Clarke said when asked of the probabilities of him playing the fourth Test.
“It's pretty sore, fortunately I have got a few days before the next Test and I will spend as much time with (physio) Alex (Kountouris) as I can to get it right. It is the same problem I have had since I was 17 years old and I have been trying to manage it throughout my career and the next four days will be no different to normal when my back goes on me like this. It's about plenty of treatment, listening to the expert and doing everything I can to get it right for the next Test match.”
In case Clarke is ruled out, Shane Watson will lead the side. The all-rounder, who left for Australia following his axing for the third Test, was to reach Delhi on Monday night.
Dhawan, who didn’t take to the field on Monday, almost ruled himself out when he said the finger was going to take some time to recover after receiving man of the match award for his blistering 183.
Dhoni also hinted the same thing at his post-match press briefing. “He may not play in the next Test. You will get an official word on it,” he said.