Australian coach Darren Lehmann hasn’t given up hope of Michael Clarke playing in this summer’s Test series against India, but the chances appear slim.

Clarke will visit more specialists this week after re-injuring his left hamstring during Friday’s one-day win over South Africa in Perth.

Although chief selector Rod Marsh declared Clarke a good chance to return in time for the first Test against India, starting on December 4 in Brisbane, Cricket Australia team performance boss Pat Howard hinted it was unlikely the 33-year-old would play in the series at all.

Howard went so far as to say surgery remained an option for Clarke, who has injured his left hamstring three times since August and has a history of chronic back issues.

Lehmann said he had no idea about the availability of his star batsman.

“What we are going to do is see how he goes the next couple of days,” Lehmann said on Monday.

“He’s back in Sydney. He’ll see some specialists and speak to Alex, our physio, and work out the plan from there.

“So until I get confirmation, I’m not going to say he’s in or he’s out.

“At the moment, he’s captain of Australia and, if he’s fit to play and gets through the next little bit, then hopefully he’ll front up in the first Test.

“Only time will tell. The next couple of days will let us know more.”