Australian captain Michael Clarke says he’s hoping to be cleared by team physio Alex Kountouris to play in the four-day game against Pakistan A starting on Wednesday.

Clarke said on Tuesday he had a long way to go to be fit for the first Test against Pakistan in Dubai from October 22.

The skipper’s caution about his hamstring injury follows a more confident assessment offered by coach Darren Lehmann on Sunday night after Australia claimed a 3-0 win in their one-day series against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.

“Clarke will be fine. He’ll play the tour game,” Lehmann said.

Having arrived in Dubai a few days before other members of the Test squad in a bid to ease through a gradual build-up to match fitness, Clarke has performed strongly in batting sessions and running drills at training.

“I don’t know if ‘fine’ is right,” Clarke said.

“I still think there’s a long way to go before I’m 100 per cent fit for the Test match.

“For me, that’s about proving my fitness to Alex more than anybody else.

“Things are going to plan, going really well and I’m hopeful that Alex will give me the all clear to play the four-dayer.”

Clarke, 33, says he’s prepared to skip the four-day game if necessary.

“We’ll assess the day before the game,” he said.

“If it means I have to miss that game to be right for first Test, I’ll have to cop that on the chin.”

Pace-bowling allrounder Mitchell Marsh is expected to play in the tour match despite injuring his hamstring on September 30.

While a big score would help Marsh’s chances of making his Test debut on October 22, it’s his bowling which will be heavily scrutinised as the selectors want a genuine allrounder in the side.

Marsh has resumed bowling duties in the nets and is yet to be ruled out of contention for the Dubai Test.

However, David Warner’s groin strain, which caused him to limp off the field during Sunday’s third one-day game in Abu Dhabi, could mean back-up opener Phil Hughes is poised for a Test recall.

The strong-willed Warner is hoping it’s only a one-week injury.

“I’ve just done something to my groin, but I’ll be okay,” he said.

The tour match is believed to be 15 players per side, but Clarke says there’ll be no letdown in intensity.

“I’m not going into the tour game to give everyone a hit or a bowl,” he said.

“I’m going into the tour game to win that game and start building momentum into that first Test match.”