Arthur confident about Clarke playing in Delhi Test

Sydney: Australian coach Mickey Arthur has said that he is confident that captain Michael Clarke can overcome a back injury to play in the dead-rubber fourth Test against India.

India lead 3-0 in the Border-Gavaskar series and the touring Australia face further changes to their line-up with the return of vice-captain Shane Watson and in-form quick James Pattinson from one-match suspensions for failing to meet a homework deadline. According to Arthur, his first priority is getting the skipper ready to play, adding that although Clarke is in some pain, he has not lost hope of playing him in the Delhi Test. Stating that the injury is an ongoing one and had hit Clarke a number of times before, Arthur said that the team management is going to give the captain every opportunity to overcome the injury as he is a vital part of the team. However, Arthur said that vice captain Shane Watson will probably captain the side if Clarke is unfit and also hinted at 35-year-old gloveman Brad Haddin , who had led the side short periods during the third Test when Clarke was off the field receiving treatment, as being another possibility. Arthur further said that the stability of having a senior player like Haddin has been a great help for Clarke both physically and mentally, adding that Haddin could still play as a keeper even if he is not chosen to lead the team. Arthur is also anxious to see if wicketkeeper Matthew Wade can prove his fitness after missing last week`s third Test in Mohali with a sore ankle, the report added. ANI