Michael Clarke’s back troubles have flared again, causing the Australian captain to leave the field briefly during Sunday’s fourth day of play in the third Test against India in Mohali.

The incident has raised several discussion points, particularly with the suspension of vice-captain Shane Watson for one match over the homeworkgate affair.

Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who is playing his first Test for 2013 after regular gloveman Matthew Wade was ruled unfit with an ankle injury, called the shots during brief moments when the skipper was off the field on Sunday.

While Watson is expected to return from the suspension and a visit to Sydney for the birth of his first child in time for the fourth Test in Delhi from March 22, the fact fringe player Haddin has assumed the reins on Sunday underlines the lack of experience in Clarke’s side.

Clarke’s back problem must surely be the reason also why the skipper hasn’t rolled his arm over with his left-arm spinners despite India’s score pushing over the 400-mark in their first innings.

Clarke, who has taken 30 wickets in 92 Tests, can be unplayable at times in Indian conditions and claimed 6-9 in the Mumbai Test against India in 2004.

A team spokesman said on Sunday that Clarke had briefly left the field to receive treatment for back soreness.

The 44-Test veteran Haddin and pace bowler Peter Siddle (40) are the only players in the side apart from Clarke to have played more than 25 Tests.

Clarke is also the side’s leading scorer in the series and was the top run-getter in Test cricket in 2012 so the struggling Aussies, two-nil down in the Indian series, will be sweating on the 31-year-old’s fitness.