Australia sweating over Warner, Clarke`s fitness ahead of Chennai Test

Sydney: Australia is hoping captain Michael Clarke and opener David Warner achieve full fitness in time for their first Test of the four-match series against India in Chennai on Friday.

Clarke, suffering from hamstring problem and Warner, who has a thumb injury, were rested from Australia`s three-day tour match against India A, which ended in a draw on Monday at Chennai`s Guru Nanak College Ground. Shane Watson top-scored for Australia in both innings with 84 and 60 from his favoured opening position but the Test vice-captain says he`s expecting to return to No.4 if Warner is passed fit to play this weekend. Watson and Ed Cowan (53) added 104 for the first wicket on Monday - their second century partnership of the match. Phil Hughes (19) was bowled by left-arm skipper Rakesh Dhurv in the final over before tea, the paper reported. Khawaja finished on 30 not out with Matthew Wade on 19 after Wade made 44 in the first innings. Nathan Lyon (2-113) and Xavier Doherty (3-108) remain in contention for one or possibly two spin-bowling spots in Australia`s side for the first Test. ANI