Injured Clarke out of Sheffield Shield final

Melbourne, March 17 (IANS) Cricket Australia (CA) Monday announced that Michael Clarke has been ruled out of the Sheffield Shield final with a fractured shoulder.

The final of the Sheffield Shield, Australia’s premier domestic first class competition, will be played between New South Wales and Western Australia at the Manuka Oval in Canberra March 21-25.

Australia skipper Clarke plays for New South Wales.

“Michael Clarke was injured as a result of being struck on the left shoulder during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town. We have since done a series of scans that have demonstrated a fracture near his shoulder joint,” Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.

“We expect that this will heal with a period of rest. Michael is therefore unavailable for the Sheffield Shield final to be played later this week.”