Australia captain Michael Clarke retires hurt

Adelaide: Australia captain Michael Clarke retired hurt before tea on day one of the first test against India in Adelaide on Tuesday.

Clarke was on 60 when he twisted to avoid a short ball from Ishant Sharma. He tried to stretch out the injury with medical staff but trudged off minutes later with Australia on 206-2.

The 33-year-old had just returned to the team after a hamstring strain, his third in three months.

Clarke, who has battled a back condition throughout his career, had appeared in full control against India`s bowlers and his retirement subdued the crowd of over 20,000 at Adelaide Oval.