Australia coach Darren Lehmann has confirmed captain Michael Clarke will play in the four-day tour match against Pakistan A, beginning tomorrow.
Clarke was ruled out of the 3-0 series win against Pakistan through a hamstring injury, but has recovered to lead his team for their only tour game in Sharjah.
“Michael Clarke will be fine. He will play the tour game,” said Lehmann, whose side will play Pakistan in the first Test beginning October 22 in Dubai.
The coach also expects injured all-rounder Mitchell Marsh to play some part and prove he’s worthy of a Test debut.
“He bowled today (Sunday) and yesterday so he’s getting closer and will have to bowl in the tour game to prove his fitness. I would expect him to bowl some overs in the tour game,” said Lehmann.
While the news could be a huge boost for Australia, they could be without opener David Warner for the Dubai Test.
He left the field in the 35th over in Sunday’s match with a groin injury and Lehmann will not risk him unless he’s fully fit.
“With Warner, we’ll assess him in the next couple of days. If he’s not right for the tour game, he won’t play,” said Lehmann.
But speaking to Sky Sports radio, Warner was upbeat of his chances. He said: “I hope it’s only a week thing, I’ve had it before, three or four years ago and it’s just like a tight strain, I’m in good hands here. I’m all well and good to go.”
Also in contention for Test selection is Glenn Maxwell. The 25-year-old played a key role in the ODI series with 117 runs and seven wickets, including two in the final over of the one-run win over Pakistan in the third one-dayer that sealed the whitewash.
And Maxwell’s form will give the selectors plenty to worry about, says Lehmann.
“He was very good the other night with the bat when he got 70-odd, and the other two times he probably disappointed us a little bit, as ‘Maxi’ can do,” he said.
“He tries to contribute in the field, with the ball and the bat, so he’s got that all-round game.
“We’ll just have to wait until we get to the conditions in Dubai. We’ve played two games there but it really depends on what sort of wicket they can produce.”
Speaking of the ODI series, Lehmann was impressed with Kane Richardson, who claimed four wickets, but insists there could be changes to the squad when they face South Africa in the first onedayer on November 14 in Perth.
He said: “Kane Richardson did a really good job throughout the series. As a selection panel we’ll be trying to pick the best side to win in Australia against South Africa.
“There could be changes. Until we (the selectors) meet, we’ll wait and see.”
