Australian and NSW captain Michael Clarke says he’s feeling 100 per cent fit but he might still pull out of next week’s Sheffield Shield match against Queensland.
Clarke, who skipped last month’s one-day series in India because of an ongoing back issue, will lead Australia into battle in the home Ashes series against England starting in Brisbane on November 21.
After scoring 88, seven and 43 in two Shield games including the drawn match against Victoria which ended at the MCG on Saturday, Clarke says he’ll discuss with Cricket Australia (CA) officials if his Ashes preparations would be best served by playing in the Shield game in Brisbane starting on Wednesday or doing specialist training.
“I would be (keen to play),” Clarke told reporters on Saturday.
“Because I’m keen to help NSW win as many games as I can. But I’ve got to speak to (Australian team physio) Alex Kountouris and (CA team-performance chief) Pat Howard tonight to see what they recommend.
“I don’t want to play a game for NSW and use it as preparation or training for the Tests.
“I don’t think that’s fair on NSW. So if it’s better for me to not play the game and train, I’ll make the decision and do that.
“If it’s best for me to play the game and try to help NSW win, that’s the risk you take.
“When you walk into a Shield game, bat once this game, but you do whatever you need to do to help the team win and that’s the priority, not your own preparation.
“We’ll make a decision ASAP, because I’d like to let NSW know if I’m not going to play sooner rather than later.
“I’ve enjoyed the two games, being out there. There’s nothing like playing.”
Clarke, 32, performed a series of back and leg stretches while fielding on Saturday but stressed he was fine.
“My body is 100 per cent fine. I feel great,” he said.