Clarke uncertain for Tests in UAE
The 33-year-old plans to fly out on Tuesday, six days ahead of the rest of the Test squad, to ensure he is acclimatised before beginning to stretch himself at training.
Clarke, who said he was improving daily from hamstring tendon damage, is adamant he will not play unless 100% fit.
"Kountouris knows my body very well," Clarke told reporters.
"He'll be the one that gives me the all clear to play the Test matches. If I pass what Kountouris needs me to pass, that will give me a lot of confidence as well."
Clarke, who has a catalogue of back and hamstring trouble, has already been ruled out of the upcoming one-day series against Pakistan with what was described as a ‘significant’ hamstring injury that was worse than first thought.
He was forced to retire hurt in a one-dayer against Zimbabwe in Harare on August 31 and returned home from the tour early. Subsequent scans revealed tendon damage in the affected area.
The three-game one-day series against Pakistan starts on October 7 with the first of two Tests not until October 22.
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