Clarke injury concerns Australia

Michael Clarke will undergo treatment on a side strain ahead of the penultimate Ashes Test at Headingley Carnegie

Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke has emerged as a potential injury doubt for the fourth Ashes Test at Headingley Carnegie after developing an abdominal strain.

Clarke experienced discomfort after his unbeaten century helped secure a draw in the third Test at Edgbaston yesterday and has since been diagnosed with a minor strain.

The 28-year-old batsman, who is the leading run-scorer in the series, was withdrawn from a personal appearance in Leeds tonight and confined to the team hotel for treatment.

Australia physio Alex Kountouris said: “Michael Clarke has an abdominal strain that became sore after the completion of yesterday’s game.

“He will continue to be treated with a view to him being fit for the fourth Test beginning on Friday.”

Kountouris will also be monitoring the likes of pace bowler Brett Lee, who is pushing for a return following a rib injury - and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who broke a finger in the warm-up at Edgbaston, as Australia look to level the series.