Australia hopeful over Hilfenhaus

Clint McKay is familiar with Headingley Carnegie having spent the Friends Provident t20 campaign with Yorkshire

Australia are confident fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus will be fit to face Pakistan in the second Test at Headingley Carnegie this week.

Hilfenhaus is a doubt after suffering a shoulder injury while fielding in the first Test victory at Lord’s.

The uncapped Peter George is standing by to take his place and Clint McKay has been added to the squad as cover, but vice-captain Michael Clarke feels Hilfenhaus is winning his fitness fight.

Clarke said: “I don’t think he bowled today, he is still seeing the physio, but he is certainly improving.

“He has had a few niggles over the last couple of years so he will disappointed if he misses the Test match.

“He is in good hands with Alex (Kountouris), our physio, he knows what is going on.

“He has spent a lot of time with Hilfy over the last year or so, so I think he will get him on the park.

“Hopefully he will be right come day one of the Test match.”

Australia seem unlikely to make any other changes for the match which begins on Wednesday.

Ricky Ponting’s men are hoping to wrap up a 2-0 series victory after winning the opener by 150 runs.

Hilfenhaus, 27, was arguably Australia’s most impressive seamer in a match ultimately settled by the part-time spin of Marcus North.

George, 23, was a late addition to the initial squad as replacement for the injured Ryan Harris while 27-year-old McKay has been in Leeds playing Friends Provident t20 cricket for Yorkshire Carnegie.