The Simon Katich issue may be behind Michael Clarke (for now at least), but the same cannot be said about Clarke’s behind? His back troubles have flared up yet again and that meant that he had had to miss the warm-up game that was played on the last day of the training camp.
Captain Michael Clarke’s Back Injury Will Be Cause For Concern
Clarke’s injury gave an opportunity to Shane Watson to lead the side, a feature that could become regular given Clarke’s history with back troubles.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting also missed the game because of a calf injury and the side was propped by the Hussey brothers and Shaun Marsh.
With an important tour of Sri Lanka coming up next, in August, it will be imperative for the Aussies to remain fit as they bid to overturn their recent erratic record. They went down in the World Cup quarter-finals, lost to England in the Ashes and were defeated 2-0 by India in a Test series. On the other hand, they beat England 6-1 in the ODIs this year and gave a strong performance in Bangladesh under their new captain Clarke.
Sri Lanka will be a different ball game altogether. The weather will be a far cry from some that they have experienced and the hot and muggy conditions will sap the players of their fluids. Under such conditions, fitness will be of a paramount importance, although, they will also look to ensure that they can get the better of the Sri Lankan spinners.
With Muthiah Muralitharan having bid adieu to international cricket, the Aussies will have a headache less, but the likes of Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath and Suraj Randiv could prove to be a handful. This is vindicated by the fact that at home, Sri Lanka have not lost a series since 2005-06.
Australia begin their tour of Sri Lanka with a T20I against the hosts at Pallekele.
See More:
