Australia have received a massive boost ahead of the upcoming Ashes series against England with the news captain Michael Clarke has returned to training.
The 32-year-old has been struggling with a niggling back problem for the last few seasons and the talented batsman was forced to sit out of his side’s ongoing ODI series with India.
There were even concerns Clarke could miss out on the opening Ashes Test but the Aussie talisman has recovered well and has recently begun training in the nets.
Australia physio Alex Kountouris has been pleased with Clarke’s recovery so far and believes the Baggy Greens skipper will look to play some domestic cricket before the battle with England resumes, with the first Test in Brisbane on November 21.
He said: said: “Michael is progressing well and recently recommenced batting in the nets.
“At this stage we are aiming to have him fit to play the second round of the Bupa Sheffield Shield, but we have not ruled out the possibility of him playing the first round of the Shield season if he makes better than expected progress.
“We’ll continue to monitor him closely.”
Clarke’s back problems were a hindrance to him during the last Ashes campaign, as his side suffered a 3-0 defeat to once again miss out on the famous urn.
Head coach Darren Lehmann will be hoping his leader can keep the back problems at bay for the foreseeable future, as Australia get set for a busy few months of cricket Down Under.
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