Michael Clarke overcame a serious back injury to lift Australia to 6-405 when rain interrupted day two of the first Test against India.

Clarke retired hurt on 60 on Tuesday, when he was sent for scans and received injections following a flare-up of his chronic back injury.

But the skipper donned a back brace and strode onto Adelaide Oval on Wednesday, despite Australia’s team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris admitting the captain was “struggling”.

“Unfortunately it’s quite a significant back injury,” Kountouris said before play.

Clarke was clearly restricted – there was no trademark fancy footwork and he limited his shot selection to minimise twisting at the crease.

The 33-year-old grimaced regularly, but progressed to 85 when heavy rain interrupted play in the morning session.

Steve Smith (98 not out) is on the cusp of bringing up his fifth Test ton.