Clarke confident hamstring is right

Michael Clarke admits he can still feel his hamstring when he’s batting, but says it won’t restrict him in Sunday’s one-day clash against Zimbabwe.

The Australian captain is adamant that should he be passed fit, he will be at no greater risk of re-injuring his left hamstring than any other player on the team who carries niggling injuries.

Clarke is determined to take the field after a six month off-season and now a week and a half confined to a massage table in Harare.

The 33-year-old was put through his paces at a session on Friday and will resume his place in the top order provided there are no last-minute mishaps in the captain’s run on Saturday.

Australia can ill-afford to have Clarke’s injury linger with a Test tour against Pakistan in the UAE fast approaching for October.

But Clarke says any discomfort he feels is manageable.

“Batting-wise I’m completely fine. I feel it a little bit batting but not much at all so it doesn’t restrict me,” Clarke said.

“The hardest thing has been running so it’s a real positive sign that I’ve been able to get through that.

“Running is generally what can re-injure it.

“(Friday’s) running was specific to my role in the team – running between wickets, high ball catching, agility stuff for close-to-wicket fielding.”

Clarke, who has a history of chronic back trouble, says Australia’s re-entry into the winner’s circle over the past year in the ODI and Test formats has made life a lot easier for him when he’s injured.

“When you win it’s easier. When you lose you feel like you’ve let the team down,” said Clarke.

“I’ve been having treatment eight times a day. I’m living in that team room.

“I’m hopeful.”

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