Will Michael Clarke play the first Test?

Early last week it was a question of a hamstrung skipper, putting noses out of joint at Cricket Australia with the manner in which he wanted to beat a path to the Gabba.

Like everything in cricket, the narrative has radically changed since Phillip Hughes was struck by a bouncer.

Now it relates to a heartbroken captain, desperate to stand alongside teammates at Adelaide Oval after doing an awe-inspiring job to help them get through an incredibly challenging week.

Clarke was a close friend of Hughes, describing him as a brother in a touching tribute in Sunday’s News Corp Australia newspapers.

The 33-year-old’s pain was there for a nation to see on Saturday when he wiped back tears to make an emotional statement on behalf of the Test squad.

Behind the scenes, Clarke had put his immense grief to one side to help Hughes’ family.

That continued on Monday when he arrived in Macksville to assist with preparations for Wednesday’s funeral.

Clarke scored a century on his Test debut against India, while he amassed an unbeaten 329 at the SCG when the tourists were last in Australia.

Next week could feature a more powerful knock than either of those innings.

Clarke will need to prove his fitness to return from a third hamstring setback since August, but the national team has arguably never needed its skipper more.

“We want him playing. He is our captain, our leader. Through the whole thing he has shown why he is that,” Ryan Harris said of Clarke.

“He’s hurting. We all are, but he has had a lot to deal with.

“He’s been unbelievable, we’ve had some good chats as a group the last few days and he has been fantastic.”

Clarke was a near-constant presence alongside Hughes’ family at St Vincent’s Hospital, where the 25-year-old underwent emergency brain surgery before dying last Thursday.

Cricket Australia head doctor Peter Brukner and chief executive James Sutherland have heaped praise on Clarke for the way he conducted himself in such a troubling time.

“Michael has been extraordinary,” Sutherland said on Tuesday.

“He’s dealing with his own personal grief from losing one of his best friends, … but the way he has responded and provided support and comfort for them has been amazing.

“He’s been a real rock for them. I know he continues to be that today, and will continue in the future.”