Hamstrung Michael Clarke doubtful for Australia`s Zimbabwe opener

Melbourne: Australia captain Michael Clarke has suffered a hamstring injury during Friday`s training in Harare and is doubtful for their first one-day international against Zimbabwe on Monday.

Clarke, who has had a five-month rest since leading Australia to the 2-1 test series triumph in South Africa, experienced pain in his left hamstring while training, a report on Cricket Australia`s website (www.cricket.com.au) said. "We will monitor his condition closely over the next 24 hours to see how he responds to further treatment before making a decision on his management," team physiotherapist David Beakley said in Harare. Vice-captain George Bailey will lead Australia if Clarke misses the first match of the triangular series, also featuring South Africa. Top order batsman Phillip Hughes, a late replacement in the Australia squad for injured all-rounder Shane Watson, could take Clarke`s place in the side.