Clarke doubtful for Sri Lanka ODI

Thursday, 1 March 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Melbourne: Aust-ralia named Michael Clarke for Friday’s one-day international against Sri Lanka but chairman of selectors John Inverarity says the skipper will not be risked unless fully fit.

Clarke has been struggling with back and hamstring problems and missed Sunday’s tri-series game against India.

Inverarity told reporters Wednesday that Clarke remained a doubt for the Melbourne Cricket Ground clash that will decide whether Australia face Sri Lanka or India in the finals. [See schedule]

“One of the uncertainties at the moment is still Michael Clarke’s fitness,” he said.

“We think he’s going to be okay for Friday, but we’re certainly going to have a low-risk strategy. If he’s ‘just about right’, I don’t think we’ll play him.

“But I think he’ll be okay.” Clarke won the Allan Border Medal on Sunday. India kept themselves in series contention with a stunning win in Hobart on Tuesday, belting 321-3 in only 36.4 overs against Sri Lanka to earn a vital bonus point. Game one of the finals series is in Brisbane on Sunday.