Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1451060/clarke-batted-broken-shoulder-against-south-africa
Sport/ Other Sport

Clarke batted with broken shoulder against South Africa

Australia captain's courageous century takes on added significance

Michael Clarke weathered a barrage of bouncers but went on to make 161 in the third test against South Africa. Photo: AFP

Australia captain Michael Clarke’s courageous century in the decisive third cricket test against South Africa took on added significance on Monday when it was revealed he played with a fractured shoulder.

Clarke weathered a fearsome barrage of bouncers on the first day of the Cape Town test, being hit on the forearm, elbow, shoulder and helmet in a fiery spell of short-pitched bowling by Morne Morkel.

He went on to a make a pivotal 161 not out, hailed by many as the best knock of his career, to help his team deliver a 2-1 series victory.

The results of scans released on Monday showed he played with a fractured left shoulder that has ruled him out of the domestic Sheffield Shield final this weekend, where he had hoped to play for New South Wales against Western Australia.

“Michael Clarke was injured as a result of being struck on the left shoulder during the third test against South Africa in Cape Town,” said Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris.

“We have since done a series of scans that have demonstrated a fracture near his shoulder joint.

“We expect that this will heal with a period of rest.”

Clarke was, however, cleared of any serious injury to his thumb, which was left bloodied and without the nail after being struck during another Morkel stint.

Despite the battering he took in Cape Town, Clarke had been keen to play for New South Wales in the Shield tournament.

Australia are not due to play another test series until they travel to the United Arab Emirates to face Pakistan in October.