'Injury-hit' Clarke's MedX 'magic machine' holding him together before Ashes

Australian Test captain Michael Clarke is taking regular sessions on a machine called MedX, which is being touted as the state-of-the-art piece of equipment that could stand between Australia and yet another Ashes defeat.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, given his monumental contribution over the past two home summers, 1679 Test runs at an average of 104.94, it does not stretch the bounds of reason to suggest that without the captain on deck Australia cannot hope to win back the Ashes.

Only three weeks ago Clarke admitted he did not know when he would be capable of returning from the latest flare-up of his long-running chronic back injury, the report said.

He is now likely to play in NSW's first match of the shield season against Tasmania at Blacktown from next Wednesday, the report added.

Clarke said that he started on the MedX machines when he was just 17, and that is one of the things that he feels has played a big part in allowing him to have a career to be honest.

They assist with spinal strength, stability, flexibility and endurance, important for Clarke, who was diagnosed 15 years ago with three degenerative discs in his back, the report further said.

He has so far missed only one Test since his debut in 2004 and is due to play his 100th Test in Perth in December, according to the report.