'Injured' Clarke unlikely to play against Pak in UAE

Australia captain Michael Clarke is doubtful of playing in next month's series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after scans confirmed an injury to his left hamstring.

Clarke strained his hamstring in training before the ODI tri-series against Zimbabwe and South Africa in Harare following a long break from the game and missed the first two matches and returned to the team during his side's humiliating three-wicket loss to the hosts but aggravated the injury and was ruled out of the rest of the tournament.

Clarke returned to Sydney on Tuesday and later had a scan.

Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said that Clarke had an MRI scan on returning from Zimbabwe that has confirmed a left hamstring muscle injury, The Dawn reported.

Kountouris added that the skipper will have intensive rehabilitation for this injury and they will be monitoring his progress over the next week before deciding when he can return to training and playing.

Australia will start their series against Pakistan with a Twenty20 International, a format Clarke does not play, on October 5 and will go on to play three ODIs and two Tests.

Clarke tweeted that he had a scan on the hamstring, adding that there is some damage as expected but he will be back fitter and stronger.

The skipper also added that he has some great people helping him get his injury right and he will do whatever it takes to get back on the field with the boys.