I could play three more Ashes series: Clarke

Australia captain brushes aside concerns about injuries.

SYDNEY:

Australia captain Michael Clarke has dismissed the idea of being driven into retirement by a degenerative back problem and believes he could play three more Ashes series over the next five years.

Clarke will start his sixth Ashes series on November 21, but with the back problem certain to return at some point and his captaincy the subject of a media debate, there has been speculation he might soon call time on his Test career.

“I won’t be retiring, not for a long time,” the 32-year-old told Sydney’s Daily Telegraph. “As long as I’m performing, I think I’ve got a good four or five years left in me.



“My love of the game is stronger than it has ever been. The older you get, the more you experience the highs and lows,” said Clarke. “It makes you enjoy the good times and enjoy the wins, and also realise that when you’re not winning hard work will turn that around.”

Lehmann confident Watson will be fit for Test

Australia coach Darren Lehmann said Saturday he is confident Shane Watson will be fit to play in the Ashes series opener against England later this month.

The experienced all-rounder was cleared this week of a serious left hamstring injury he picked up during Australia’s recent tour of India, raising concerns that he could miss the Test opener.

But Lehmann said Watson was making good progress and was in line to play at the Gabba.

“The reports from our medical team on Shane’s recovery from injury are pleasing,” said Lehmann in a Cricket Australia statement.

“He is making good progress and responding well to treatment.

“If that continues, we have confidence that he will hopefully be fit for the first Test.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th, 2013.

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