Clarke Doubtful for First Ashes Test

Brisbane: Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke missed training due to a back injury Monday, casting doubt over his fitness for the first Ashes cricket Test against England.

Clarke has been troubled by a degenerative back condition for most of his Test career and Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris has confirmed he is no certainty to play in the first Test which starts Thursday at Brisbane's Gabba ground.

Clarke was unable to play for his New South Wales state team in the most recent round of Australia's Sheffield Shield competition after aggravating the injury in an earlier Shield match.

Kountouris said Clarke's absence from training Monday was planned and his condition was being closely watched.

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The Ashes 2010-11 News

Aussies Thump England 6-1 in ODI series [+]

Australia wrapped up an emphatic 6-1 series win over a weary England with a comprehensive 57-run win in the seventh and final ODI at WACA ground in Perth.

Australia, England Looks High End Before WC [+]

Despite both sides being down on numbers, one hopes this will be an appropriately dramatic end to this series.

Collingwood Flies Home Before Final ODI [+]

England's arduous tour of Australia has claimed another victim, with the 34-year-old all-rounder Paul Collingwood to return home with a back spasm.

England Fast Bowlers Shahzad and Tremlett to Fly Home [+]

England fast bowlers Ajmal Shahzad and Chris Tremlett are flying back from Australia after being injured in the one-day series.

Australia Rest Watson, Clarke for Final England ODI [+]

Australia captain Michael Clarke and all-rounder Shane Watson will miss the final one-day match against England in Perth on Sunday to get some rest before the World Cup, Cricket Australia said on Thursday.

Clarke Leads Australia in Thrilling Win [+]

Australia achieved their highest ever one-day international run-chase to seal victory over England in Sydney and take a 5-1 lead in the seven-match series.

Yardy Return as England Elect to Bat Against Oz [+]

England won the toss and decided to bat against Australia in the sixth one-day international at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

Aussies Out to Continue Dominance, England Play For Pride [+]

Australia will be looking to pile on the misery while England will be playing for pride when the Commonwealth Bank Series shifts to the SCG for Game 6 on Wednesday.

Ferguson Added to Aussies ODI Squad Against England [+]

Callum Ferguson has been rushed into Australia's squad for their final two one-day internationals against England as cover for the injured Shaun Marsh.

Plunkett to Join England Squad as Cover [+]

Liam Plunkett has been called up to the England ODI squad as cover following injuries to Chris Tremlett and Ajmal Shahzad. Both will undergo further assessment to determine the extent of their injuries.