Clarke may miss first Ashes Test

Australian captain Michael Clarke has admitted he may not be fit for the first Ashes Test against England next month, with his long-standing back problem needing extended treatment and rest.

Clarke was ruled out of Australia’s one-day tour of India this month and while desperate to be ready for the first Ashes Test in Brisbane on November 21, the star batsman is pragmatic.
“Where I sit right now is I don’t know when I’ll be back playing cricket,” he said. “We have no idea how long it’s going to take.

“There’s certainly no guarantee (for the first Test) at this stage. It’s hard for me to say that because I’m trying my best not to look at it like that.

“I’m always positive and if they ask me, I’ll say I’ll be fit in a week’s time. But you ask Alex (Kountouris, team physio) who knows me very well, and he’d say there’d be doubt I won’t be right.”

Clarke has been plagued by back problems for years.