Clarke trying to get fit for Delhi Test: Coach

New Delhi - Australia coach Mickey Arthur said skipper Michael Clarke was trying to get fit for the fourth and the final Test against India starting here Friday.

Clarke is suffering from a recurrence of back pain and batted with great discomfort in the Mohali Test.

“He is in a bit of pain, but with Michael Clarke you never say never. He will give himself every opportunity to get himself ready for the Test, no doubt about that. That will pan out closer to the time and will give him every opportunity to get up for it because he is such a vital cog in our team,” Arthur told the Australian media.

If Clarke is unfit, vice-captain Shane Watson will lead the team. Clarke is also considering skipping the Indian Premier League, where he will play for Pune Warriors, Arthur said.

“We certainly wouldn’t put Pup at risk for what we’ve got ahead of us. We’ll cross that bridge when we have to but that will ultimately be Mike’s decision, obviously with some help from our medical team,” he said.