Michael Clarke is professional, will be back: Oz coach

Australia's South African coach Mickey Arthur said on Wednesday that skipper Michael Clarke's long-term future was secure and that the player was a true professional. Earlier in the day, it was reported that Clarke would be out of action against Sri Lanka due to a strained left-hamstring.

The ongoing CB series hangs in the balance and Clarke will not be able to lead his side in the deciding final on Thursday. Coach Arthur though said that the 30-year-old manages his treatments well. "Michael is the most professional guy I've certainly seen in my time in terms of the way he manages his body," Arthur was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald.

Although the coach conceded that the scan results are not expected to be positive, playing Clarke in the second of the three finals was a risk that had to be taken. "When you get to the finals, we were always prepared to risk a player in order to win a final. So I certainly think it was worth the risk."

James Pattinson is the other player in the home side who is expected to be out of action on Thursday.