How Clarke is depending on Arnold Schwarzenegger's ex-trainer to extend career

Australian Test captain Michael Clarke's career is being kept alive by a 50,000-dollar spinal machine invented by Arnold Schwarzenegger's former trainer, according to reports.

According to News.com.au, the 32-year-old is relying on medical technology to ensure his back condition does not derail Australia's Ashes campaign and prematurely end his Test career.

Clarke has battled three degenerative discs for the past 15 years, the report said.

It has prompted Australia's best batsman to turn to the state-of-the-art MedX, a machine developed by Arthur Jones, the trainer who worked with Schwarzenegger during his prime years as a bodybuilder, the report added.

The machine is so expensive it is believed there is just three of its kind in Australia, according to the report.

Clarke wrote in his newly released Ashes diary that it is a matter of life and death for his career.