Michael Clarke wants Australia’s injury uncertainty sorted out quickly so the team can prepare as well as possible to take on world Test No.1 South Africa.
The captain spoke at Sydney airport on Wednesday morning before flying out for South Africa and the three-Test tour with the majority of his squad.
Shaun Marsh (calf) and Jackson Bird (back) have been kept behind to prove their fitness, and Clarke would like to have the pair available for Australia’s only warm-up match starting on February 5 in Potchefstroom.
That would mean they’d most likely need to be on a flight by the weekend.
Bird bowled well in the nets on Tuesday and will be passed fit if he backs that up with another positive session on Wednesday.
Marsh’s calf muscle strain is said to be minor but, given his chequered injury history, medical staff want to see how he responds to treatment in Perth before a final decision is made.
Clarke said he wasn’t sure if a deadline had been set for the struggling duo, but he was confident preparations would not be unduly affected – after allrounder James Faulkner (knee) was already ruled out of touring.
“Yeah ideally I would (like them available for the tour match),” said Clarke.
“I’d like them to be on this plane now but that’s not realistic.
“I think you’ve got to give them every opportunity. They’re an important part of our squad. They’re two very important players and I’m positive they’ll both come up ok.
“Fingers crossed they’ll both be on a plane sooner rather than later.”
South Africa are the No.1 Test nation, but Clarke said Australia take confidence with them after their home Ashes annihilation of England.
Australia have a good record in the rainbow nation, with conditions similar to back home.
Clarke certainly wasn’t expecting any surprises, he didn’t even bother to keep track of South Africa’s last-start 1-0 Test series win over India.
“I didn’t watch one ball of that series to be honest. I couldn’t even tell you the result. Did they win that series?” Clarke asked.
“A lot of teams in Test cricket are having success in their own backyard but the greatest challenge is to be able to win away from home so that’s what we face right now.”
