Michael Clarke to Undergo Surgery, World Cup Chances in Doubt

Australian Test captain Michael Clarke will undergo surgery in Melbourne on Tuesday. Clarke had torn a hamstring muscle during the first Test against India in Adelaide. Steven Smith has been named captain for the second Test starting in Brisbane on Wednesday. (Read: Team India's Security Beefed Up in Brisbane)

Australian team doctor Peter Brukner said: "Michael was assessed by a surgeon in Melbourne early this evening and will be undergoing surgery tomorrow to repair his injured right hamstring.

"Whilst surgery is not always required with hamstring injuries, Michael has substantial damage to a key part of the hamstring tendon and it was felt the best course of action was to surgically repair the damaged area.

"His recovery and the timing of his return to play will be dependent on the surgeon's advice and how well he recovers in the coming weeks." (Clarke Yet to Play His Final Match, Says Lehmann | India to be Greeted With a Green Top at Gabba)

While Clarke has ruled himself out of the Test series against India, he is also doubtful for the World Cup in February-March. George Bailey could lead the former ODI world champions.

"These are difficult circumstances given Michael's injury and the fact that we don't know how long he will be out of the game," Australian chief selector Rod Marsh said on Monday. "What we do know is that it won't be an overnight fix." (Australia May Rest Ryan Harris For Brisbane Test)

"The next 24 to 48 hours will give us far better guidance on that process. But I think George Bailey has done a fantastic job," Australian team performance chief Pat Howard said. "We're number one in the world. He's led the last two series, so all that was discussed." (Kohli Knows How to Play Cricket in Australia: Mark Taylor)