CLARKE HOPES FOR A WORLD CUP RETURN

MICHAEL CLARKE could return for the World Cup in February after successful surgery on his right hamstring. The 33-year-old Australia Test skipper feared he might never play again after pulling out of the series against India following last week’s first Test in Adelaide. Steve Smith will captain the side in his place. However, Australia physio Alex Kountouris said: ‘Speaking to the surgeon, everything went really well. There were no surprises and he’s managed to do a good repair. ‘He’s very confident that Michael is going to make a good recovery. ‘Our aim is for him to take part in the World Cup.’ That was the only good news yesterday on the injury front for Australia — one of Scotland’s Pool A opponents alongside England at the World Cup — as their bowling attack fell apart on the first day of the second Test in Brisbane. All-rounder Mitch Marsh limped off with a hamstring strain, debutant Josh Hazlewood left the field with cramp, Mitchell Starc struggled with a sore back and ribs and paceman Mitchell Johnson was bothered by a sore finger. Coach Darren Lehmann, already dealing with the absence of Clarke and seamer Ryan Harris, used 12th man Peter Siddle in the field for much of the day and a local-grade cricketer as a substitute. Lehmann revealed he even had 44-year-old spin coach John Davison ready to go on in case of further injuries. India reached 311 for four at stumps, with Murali Vijay hitting 144 as his side look to level the four-match series. Vijay said: ‘You can only go close to perfection — I think I did pretty well.’

THE ECB have confirmed that Old Trafford, Edgbaston, Headingley, Lord’s and The Oval will each host an Ashes Test in 2019.