Adelaide: Australia skipper Michael Clarke said he "may never play again" due to a right hamstring injury sustained on the final day of the first test against India.
JUST IN: Michael Clarke openly ponders playing future after emotional Test win: http://t.co/M0UuYOr0j4 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/OhfmhwWj9R
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) December 13, 2014Michael Clarke is expected to miss his team's three remaining tests against India after injuring his hamstring on Saturday.
Clarke was sent for scans for the second time in the first test when he injured himself while fielding in the second session on the final day at Adelaide Oval.
Michael Clarke leaving @TheAdelaideOval for scans on his right hamstring: http://t.co/M0UuYOr0j4 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/521BTdKm93
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) December 13, 2014He limped off with the assistance of the Australian team physiotherapist after reaching down to field a ball during India's second innings.
Michael Clarke limps off in second session on day five: http://t.co/M0UuYOr0j4 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/DjkQmFXEP1
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) December 13, 2014Clarke made it back to the field for the end of the match, which Australia won by 48 runs, and told Australian television the early prognosis was not good.
The Australia captain said "The scans are not great, they have certainly showed a tear there. The experts are looking at them and I can pretty confidently say that I won't take part in this test series.
Watch: Have we already seen Michael Clarke's last International hundred?
"There's a chance I may never play again. I hope that's not the case and I'll be doing everything in my power to get back out on the park, but I have to be realistic as well."
Michael Clarke says unlikely to play again in this Test series and concedes his body may dictate his career is now in jeopardy
— Andrew Ramsey (@ARamseyCricket) December 13, 2014Clarke, 33, has been troubled by hamstring and back issues since he was a teenager but the problem has flared up recently.
He almost missed the first test because of a recurring hamstring problem and suffered a painful back injury while batting in the first innings.
He retired hurt but recommenced his innings the next day, scoring a century.
Even if Clarke does make a quick recovery, the chances of him playing against India are remote with the four tests squeezed into a five-week window after the dates were reshuffled following the death of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes.
Australia is also co-hosting the 50-over World Cup early next year, starting in February, with Clarke looming as Australia's key player.
"I'm obviously disappointed. But I'll make sure I'm here supporting the boys and do whatever I can from the sidelines," Clarke said.
