Michael Clarke is injury doubt for Headingley

David Lloyd
5 Aug 2009

Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke has emerged as a potential injury doubt for the fourth Ashes Test after developing an abdominal strain.

Clarke experienced discomfort after completing his undefeated century in the Third Test at Edgbaston and has since been diagnosed with a minor strain.

The 28-year-old, whose knock in Birmingham was key to Australia saving the game, was withdrawn from a personal appearance in Leeds last night and confined to the team hotel for treatment.

Australia physio Alex Kountouris said: "Michael Clarke has an abdominal strain that became sore after the completion of Monday's game.

"He will continue to be treated with a view to him being fit for the Fourth Test beginning on Friday."

Kountouris will also be monitoring Brett Lee - who is angling for a return to the Baggy Greens' pace attack if passed fit - and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who broke a finger in the warm-up at Edgbaston, as Australia look to level the series at Headingley.

England have selected 14 players in case Andrew Flintoff fails to recover from his ankle problems in time to start on Friday.

Steve Harmison, Ryan Sidebottom or Jonathan Trott are in contention to replace Flintoff at Headingley.

England team director Andy Flower, however, is hopeful that Flintoff will be fit. "We will have to play it by ear again," Flower said. "We've done that throughout the series.

"Continued wear and tear means that he probably is less likely [than for the last Test] but he's a strong bloke.

"Freddie's got a strong body and a strong mind."