Michael Clarke to Miss ODIs vs Pakistan, May Play Tests

Michael Clarke has been ruled out of next month's ODI series versus Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates due to a hamstring injury. The 33-year-old, who has a catalogue of hamstring trouble, broke down in a one-dayer against Zimbabwe in Harare on August 31 and returned home from the tour early.

Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: "Since returning to Australia, Michael has had a series of investigations that have confirmed a significant hamstring injury. Importantly, the scans have demonstrated tendon damage which complicates the recovery from this injury. As such, he will not recover in time to be available for the ODI series in the UAE."  (Also read: Shahid Afridi appointed Pakistan's T20I skipper)

"We are hopeful that he will be available for the Test series but this will be determined at a date closer to the first Test," said Kountouris in a statement made by CA on Tuesday.

Clarke was under treatment in a bid to prove his fitness for the two-Test series against Pakistan in the UAE, which starts in Dubai on October 22, followed by a second Test in Abu Dhabi from October 30.

Clarke was also selected Monday for the three-game ODI series against Pakistan, starting on October 7, but chief selector Rod Marsh cast doubt on whether he would be fit.

However Marsh added that Clarke had proven to be a durable player over his 105-Test career.

"He's only missed one (Test) in over a hundred," Marsh said. "He's got a great track record of getting up for Tests. I'm sure he'll be right because there's no more dedicated bloke in getting his rehab in than Michael. He will not want to miss any Test matches, even if that means he has to miss some one-dayers and I'm not suggesting that." (World Cup's five-month countdown begins)

Pakistan have been forced to play their home series at neutral venues, such as the UAE, since militants attacked the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009.