11cricket.com

LEEDS (AFP) – Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke will miss training here on Wednesday after suffering an abdominal strain while making the century that saw the side to a draw in the third Ashes Test on Monday.

Clarke’s 103 not out at Edgbaston was the centrepiece of Australia’s second innings 375 for five and helped ensure England stayed just 1-0 ahead in the five-match series heading into the fourth Test at Headingley later this week.

But there are just three days between the end of the match at Edgbaston and Friday’s first day at Headingley.

Clarke, 28, is one of Australia’s leading batsmen and his century on Monday, his 12th in his 50 Tests, was also his second in as many matches after his 136 in a losing cause during England’s 115-run second Test win at Lord’s.

However, Australia remain confident Clarke will be fit.

“Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke will not train tomorrow (Wednesday) after suffering a minor abdominal strain during his innings yesterday (Monday),” a Cricket Australia statement issued here on Tuesday said.

The statement added that Clarke, who was scheduled to appear at Tuesday’s Ashes Festival ‘Walkabout in Leeds’, would instead remain at the team hotel to receive treatment.

Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: “Michael Clarke has an abdominal strain that became sore after the completion of yesterday’s (Monday’s) game.

“He will continue to be treated with a view to him being fit for the fourth Test beginning on Friday.”

Australia brought in all-rounder Shane Watson at Edgbaston as an opening batsman after dropping Phillip Hughes.

Left-hander Hughes apart, Australia have no other specialist batsmen in their 16-man squad.

Australia also have doubts over first-choice wicket-keeper Brad Haddin, who missed the Edgbaston Test because of a broken finger, while senior fast bowler Brett Lee has not played in this Ashes series so far because of a side injury.

Australia hold the Ashes after a 5-0 series win on home soil in 2006/07.