While it is disappointing news for UAE cricket fans that Michael Clarke will not be leading Australia in the one-day international (ODI) series against Pakistan next month, to the man in question it is the most sensible decision he could have made.
Clarke’s well documented back problems have already led to him acknowledging he has to think carefully about travel plans for overseas tours to ensure his fragile body can cope with the rigours of Test and ODI cricket, so it made sense not to risk his hamstring in the coming three matches in Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
There is still time for him to regain fitness for the two Tests and, in many ways, that is the most important element of the tour as Australia look to become the first visiting side to win a Test series against Pakistan in the UAE.
Clarke is crucial to Australia’s hopes and not just because of his batting, which averages 51.50 after 105 Tests.
He has become arguably the most inventive captain around and Australia cannot afford to lose him for any length of time with a busy 12 months ahead of them.
First comes the World Cup on home soil, then Clarke will bid to become the first Australia captain to retain the Ashes since Steve Waugh in 2002 when they take on England next summer.
Clarke and coach Darren Lehmann have found some momentum for the Australians in the past year, if being careful on injury risks means helping maintain it, then that can only be a good thing.
gcaygill@thenational.ae
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