South Africa is hoping Michael Clarke thinks twice about his return from a hamstring injury, threatening to “hunt” down the Australian captain should he show his face in the seven-match ODI tri-series in Zimbabwe.
Coming off Monday’s 198-run win over the host nation, stand-in skipper George Bailey announced a hamstring complaint will sideline Clarke until at least the “back end” of the one-day tournament.
Proteas bowling coach Allan Donald took it a step further on Tuesday, suggesting it a near certainty that old rival Morne Morkel will look to make any comeback attempt as painful as possible after famously cracking Clarke’s shoulder in a brutal pace display during Australia’s 2-1 Test series win over South Africa back in February.
“There’s no question, I think Michael will know that Morne is out there to try and hunt him down,” Donald said.
“It’s always in the back of your head. When you’ve had one bowler that has done that to you before, he might do it again. It’s just about planning and being very smart in how you do that in a one-day scenario.”
A nonchalant Clarke says he is ready for whatever the Proteas have to throw at him should he return in time for the September 6 final in Harare, where two nations are almost certain to line up.
“I’ve been ready my whole career,” Clarke said.
“There’s been a lot made of it because I got hit a couple of times but I don’t think it’s any different. Morne is a very good bowler. Dale Steyn is a very good bowler.
“Playing against South Africa has always been tough.”
The tournament continues tomorrow when the Aussies face South Africa at 5:30PM AEST.
Photo: Getty Images.
