Lara urges 'beleaguered' Clarke to consider dumping ODIs to prolong Test career

West Indies batting legend Brian Lara has urged 'injured' Australian skipper Michael Clarke to shape his career and figure out where his cricketing priorities lie.

Lara revealed a thinly veiled hint that he believes Australia's captain should consider quitting one-day cricket following the World Cup after a hamstring injury put him in doubt for the Test series against India.

The 'Prince of Trinidad', who retired from international cricket after the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean, believes that Clarke should ensure playing Test cricket remains his priority, News.com.au reported.

He said that in terms of his injury, he would like to maybe see Clarke shape his career, adding that the Australian is in a status now where one has got to shape ones career and look for longevity.

Lara said that things that are important to one, Test cricket is important, adding that one should concentrate and make sure that one plays every single Test match as possible.

However, Lara believes Clarke would and should do everything in his power to be fit in time to lead his country in a World Cup on home soil, even if that means missing the India Test series.

Clarke and Lara forged a friendship during the latter's playing career, and the 45-year-old Trinidadian still considers the Australian as a close mate, the report added.