Clarke said if he is ruled out of the match, Watson, one of four players to be suspended on disciplinary ground ahead of the third Test, will lead the side in the match starting in Delhi from March 22.
"If I am unavailable due to my fitness, I don't know.. I haven't spoken to the selectors, but I would imagine that Watto will be the captain, that's for sure," Clarke said.
But the equation between the all-rounder and the team management has improved over the past few days, with Watson flying back to India for the final game.
Asked about his back problem, Clarke said, "It is pretty sore, fortunately we've got a few days before the next Test so I want to spend as much time with (physio) Alex (Kountouri) I can to get it right.
Clarke said he will do everything it takes to overcome the problem before the start of the Test.
"My fingers are crossed I will be doing everything I can to give myself the best chance. I guess I am always pretty positive, touch wood I haven't missed a Test match due to injury so far in my career and I wouldn't like this to be my first one. If I can't perform at my best, if I feel I am going to let the team down, I won't be taking the field."
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