Share

Clarke 'fit, healthy' for Ashes

Sydney - Australian captain Michael Clarke said on Tuesday he believes he can play all five Ashes Tests against England and has years of cricket left in him, despite being plagued by chronic back problems.

Speaking to reporters on the eve of his expected comeback from injury to lead New South Wales in a Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania on Wednesday, Clarke said he was ready.

"Right now I feel fit and healthy," he said before a final fitness test.

He batted away speculation about early retirement due to his lingering back troubles, saying: "I certainly don't believe that my back will play a part in regard to shortening my career."

Clarke gave further details in his column in The Daily Telegraph on Tuesday.

"While there is ongoing speculation about my future, my back is no worse now than it has been for years," he wrote.

"I have been dealing with it since I was 17," he said, noting he had only missed one Test in his entire career because of his back.

"I have degeneration in three of my discs which require constant maintenance," said the skipper.

"That means I will always experience some stiffness and pain," admitted Clarke, who has faced an intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation programme over the past month.

Clarke said he was confident Australia could turn the tables on England in the Ashes series, which starts in Brisbane on November 21, after a 3-0 defeat in England in July-August.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE