Keeping my fingers crossed as far as IPL is concerned: Clarke

Recuperating from a back problem, Australia skipper Michael Clarke kept his "fingers crossed" as far as participation in the upcoming IPL is concerned, and said he would "do as I'm told" by the medical staff in deciding whether or not to play in the cash-rich T20 league.

"I'd be silly to make that decision (on the IPL) right now, I think I need to wait on the results, listen to the experts and then make a plan from there," Clarke said on landing here from India, where his team was whitewashed in the four-match Test series.

"I'll have scans this week and spend plenty of time with the physio, fingers crossed it turns out okay. Sitting down for 12 hours has made it a little bit stiff, but I'm really confident that I'm in good hands with my physio here in Sydney."

Clarke said he has "hurt his hamstring throughout the Australian summer and it has just lingered on".

"I haven't had the opportunity to get that 100 per cent fit due to how much cricket we've had."

Clarke said the unprecedented events before the Mohali Test, when four players including vice-captain Shane Watson were suspended on disciplinary ground, had been a "kick up the backside" for all.

"It certainly made us realise that what we thought were the little things are quite large in our group and important to our group having success," Clarke was quoted as saying by 'ESPNcricinfo'.

"I think the team have responded very well, the players who were left out have come back really well, and it's good to see a few of those guys getting opportunities in this Test.

"It was one of the toughest challenges of my career and I'm sure it has been for the other guys as well. Travelling to India and playing there is always tough. We knew we were going to face a lot of spin bowling and we have done.

... contd.

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