Mark Taylor Concerned for Michael Clarke's Future

Former Australia captain Mark Taylor Tuesday said he was concerned for the future of Michael Clarke after the current skipper once again injured his troublesome back on day one of the first Test against India at the Adelaide Oval here Tuesday.

Clarke grimaced when he swayed away to avoid a bouncer from India pacer Ishant Sharma during the second session, and later retired hurt with his score on 60. (Warner Ton Helps Australia Dominate India on Day 1)

Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed Clarke suffered a lower back complaint that was causing "considerable pain" and had left the ground with support team doctor Peter Brukner for further assessment.

This is the latest in a long line of injuries for Clarke in 2014, most of which are related to the chronic back complaint that he has battled for most of his career. (Watson Using Hughes' Locker at Adelaide Oval)

Taylor said it was hard to be critical of the decision to play Clarke, given he had batted comfortably for 115 minutes before the injury struck.

"He made 60 and obviously batted for quite a long time, so in a fitness test situation he wouldn't have batted that long," Taylor told cricket.com.au.

"So, he obviously would have passed fitness tests and what have you." (Warner Smashes Emotional Hundred on Day 1)

"So whether he should have played or not, people will probably turn around and say 'no' because he's obviously broken down with the same injury," Taylor said.

"I think in this situation, no one's had any cricket for two weeks so it's been very hard for him to prove his fitness. He probably would have got through a grade game because he may not have batted as long and might have taken it easy."

With the World Cup starting in February ahead of the 2015 Ashes series in England, Taylor says the fact that Clarke has broken down again in such an innocuous manner was a cause for concern.

"Absolutely, I think we're all concerned," Taylor said. "It's an injury that continues to flare up at the moment." (Sean Abbott Back With a Bouncer)

"It flared up in Zimbabwe and then in Perth, and now again here a month later. So that's a concern."

"I know Clarkey would be working like a Trojan to make sure it's right. He'll be doing all kinds of exercises and training to get that part of his body as fit and strong as he possibly can," Taylor said.

"And yet, a short ball down the leg side and a little flinch injures it."