Australian captain to miss series
Michael Clarke has been ruled out of the first Test against South Africa, which starts on December 3, due to a chronic back injury.
Clarke, 33, has been struggling with a back complaint for some time and has undergone various treatments, including injections and physiotherapy.
"Michael has been struggling with his back for some time and we have tried various treatments to alleviate the pain," said Australian team doctor Peter Brukner. "Unfortunately, the pain has not subsided and we have made the decision to take him out of the team for the first Test."
Clarke's absence is a significant blow to the Australian team, which is already struggling with a number of injuries and a lack of depth in the squad.
- Steven Smith will take over as captain for the first Test.
- Clarke is expected to undergo further treatment and will be reassessed before the second Test.
- The Australian team is facing a number of challenges, including a lack of depth in the squad and a number of injuries.
Clarke's injury has raised concerns about his long-term future in the team and has sparked debate about the Australian team's fitness and training programs.
Clarke has been one of the most successful captains in Australian cricket history, leading the team to numerous victories and a number of record-breaking achievements.
However, his injury has raised questions about his ability to continue playing at the highest level and has sparked debate about the Australian team's emphasis on player welfare.
Author's summary: Michael Clarke's injury has sparked concerns about his long-term future in the Australian team and has raised questions about the team's fitness and training programs.