Australian captain Michael Clarke batted in the nets yesterday and voiced confidence he would play the Boxing Day Test, although selectors said he would only pad up if fully fit
The world’s leading Test batsman suffered a hamstring twinge in the 137-run win over Sri Lanka in Hobart last week and has been undergoing intensive physio ahead of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
“I love playing at the MCG in the biggest Test of the year but I have never done it justice,” Clarke said in a column for the Sydney Daily Telegraph.
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Michael Clarke
“I’m still searching for my first hundred there and will be doing everything in my power to make sure it comes this week.
“That has included working overtime with our team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris to make sure my hamstring is right for Boxing Day.
“I only suffered a minor twinge while batting in Hobart and remain confident that I will be fine to play,” he added.
In the nets, Clarke faced throw-downs from assistant coach Stuart Law Monday under the watchful eye of coach and selector Mickey Arthur. He then took a break before emerging again to bat for about 20 minutes against bowlers including left-arm quick Mitchell Johnson.
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