No plans of resting Michael Clarke from ODIs despite back pain, says Lehmann

Sydney: Australian coach Darren Lehmann has said that the team has no plans of resting captain Michael Clarke from a crowded ODI schedule against England despite his chronic back problem.

According to News.com.au, Australia will play six 50-over games in the next two weeks. Stating that Australia will pick its best team to win every match against England and Scotland, Lehmann said that that team would also includes Clarke, who missed the ICC Champions Trophy due to a flare-up of his back injury and also suffered some discomfort early in the Ashes series. According to Lehmann, they have no plans to lighten the load on Clarke and will be playing him if he is fit, adding that Australia would not `go down England`s path` and rest big names from the five-match one-day series with a crowded schedule and the return Ashes series in mind. However, Lehmann admitted that the situation was `not ideal` with Mitchell Starc joining Steve Smith in being released from the 15-man squad due to minor injuries, and a growing list of injured paceman like Ryan Harris, James Pattinson, Pat Cummins and Jackson Bird. But the former Australian player added that it was a side-effect of having a young pace attack, adding that injuries are a part and parcel of being a fast bowler. Lehmann also hoped that the condition settled down as the bowlers get a bit older and stronger. ANI