Clarke to undergo surgery on hamstring

Australia captain Michael Clarke will undergo surgery on his injured right hamstring in Melbourne on Tuesday.

Clarke had been racing against the clock to be fit for the first Commonwealth Bank Test in Adelaide last week, and despite being declared fit for the series opener, he suffered back injury while batting on day one before returning to the crease the following day to score his 28th Test century.

While the 33-year-old was moving with relative freedom in the field, an off-balance throw on day five triggered the new injury, with the Test skipper conceding after the match “there’s a chance I could never play again”.

However, Bupa Support Team doctor Peter Brukner said in a Cricket Australia statement late on Monday night: “Michael was assessed by a surgeon in Melbourne early this evening and will be undergoing surgery tomorrow to repair his injured right hamstring.

“Whilst surgery is not always required with hamstring injuries, Michael has substantial damage to a key part of the hamstring tendon and it was felt the best course of action was to surgically repair the damaged area.

“His recovery and the timing of his return to play will be dependent on the surgeon’s advice and how well he recovers in the coming weeks.”

The injury has ruled him out of the remainder of the Test summer, with 25-year-old batsman Steve Smith named his new vice-captain.

Smith will now take the reins for the second Test starting in Brisbane on Wednesday.

Clarke stood by his decision to play in the first Test, which was rescheduled following the tragic passing of his close friend and teammate Phillip Hughes.

"I don’t have one regret (about playing this match), this was the most important Test match of my career,” said Clarke following the Test win on Saturday. 

"I have no regrets about playing in this Test, I have no regrets about going back onto the field after I retired hurt ... the rest will take care of itself."

"I'll be guided by the experts and hopefully I get another opportunity to play throughout this summer.

"I don't know exactly how long I'm going to be out for - I think our first World Cup practice game is eight weeks away.

"I'd love to take part in the Tri-Series (against India and England in January), I'd love to take part in the World Cup, but I just have to wait and see. 

"There's a chance I could never play again - 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 think I've got to be realistic as well."

"I think (with) my body in general, there's always that risk. 

"You know, this is a different hamstring - I did my left hamstring, I've done the right side of my back, I've just done my right hammy ... obviously I've got injury concerns at the moment, now I have to go back and do what the experts tell me to give myself the best chance of being fully fit, but I think I have to be honest with myself and have a good hard think about things, definitely."