Injured Michael Clarke fears his career could be over

Michael Clarke

Adelaide, Dec 13 (IANS) Ruling himself out of the next three Test matches against India, Australian captain Michael Clarke, who limped off the Adelaide Oval midway through day five of the first Test, has conceded that "there's a chance that he could never play again".

Clarke's disappointing news took the gloss off a remarkable Australian victory in the first Test at the Adelaide Oval as he spoke after the match of the injury problem following scans on the troublesome right hamstring.

"The scans are not great. They've certainly shown a tear there - the experts are looking at the moment. I can pretty confidently say that I won't take part in this Test series unfortunately, and then I'll wait on the experts' advice and opinions on what I need to do to get back out on the park," Clarke was quoted as saying by cricket.co.au on Friday.

"I don't know exactly how long I'm going to be out for. There's a chance I could never play again - I hope that's not the case and I'll be doing everything in my power to get back out on the park, but I think I've got to be realistic as well."

Pressed on the comment that he may never play again, the 33-year-old Clarke added: "I think (with) my body in general, there's always that risk."

"You know, this is a different hamstring - I did my left hamstring, I've done the right side of my back, I've just done my right hamstring. Obviously I've got injury concerns at the moment, now I have to go back and do what the experts tell me to give myself the best chance of being fully fit, but I think I have to be honest with myself and have a good hard think about things, definitely."

Clarke pulled up sore after he sprinted and bent down to stop a ball in the field, clutching at the problem area.

He was immediately taken to hospital for scans, but was quick to state he did not rue taking part in the match.

"I don't have one regret (about playing this match), this was the most important Test match of my career," said Clarke, referring to the emotional context of the match in the aftermath of the tragic passing of his close friend Phillip Hughes.

"I have no regrets about playing in this Test, I have no regrets about going back onto the field after I retired hurt. The rest will take care of itself," he said.

Clarke posted a courageous hundred during the first innings of the match despite being forced to retire hurt on 60 on the opening day.

"I think our first World Cup practice game is eight weeks away. I'd love to take part in the Tri-Series (against India and England in January), I'd love to take part in the World Cup, but I just have to wait and see," he concluded.