Ravaged by injuries, Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke today said that he may never play again, even though he would do everything he can to return after virtually ruling himself out of the remaining three Test matches against India.
"The experts are looking at the scans now and I don't know exactly how long I'm going to be out for. I am thinking about the World Cup and our first practice game is eight weeks away. I would love to take part in the ODI tri-series (with India and England), but I just have to wait and see. There's a chance I may never play again," Clarke said after Australia beat India by 48 runs in the opening Test here.
"I hope that's not the case and I'll be doing everything in my power to get back out on the park but I have to be realistic as well," he added.
Clarke, who limped off the field with a hamstring strain on the final day today, said missing matches is heartbreaking.
"I want to be playing in Brisbane. Every game I miss for Australia is heartbreaking. You need to score runs to be in the team. I play my best cricket when I get some momentum so I actually get some cricket under my belt," Clarke, who has a torn right hamstring, said.
The skipper termed his side's victory over India as 'a special win'.
"It's obviously very special. Every Test match you play for Australia you have a lot to play for, but obviously this series is even closer to our hearts. This first Test is one we will remember and cherish for the rest of our careers, there's no doubt about that. This has been the most important Test match I have played in my life," said Clarke.
"I'm extremely pleased with the way the boys have gone about it. Their attitude from day one of arriving here was exceptional. There were some challenges mentally, and the boys expressed those leading up to the game, individually the guys were at different stages. To be able to come out and play some of our best cricket against a very good Indian team, that was special," he insisted.
The visitors were bowled out for 315 in their pursuit of 364 runs even as Virat Kohli scored a second hundred in the match.
