Marsh hopeful, but Clarke's path unclear

Australia skipper Michael Clarke may still be fit to play in the first Commonwealth Bank Test against India, with National Selector Rod Marsh revealing the 33-year-old's scans brought good news.

Clarke's availability this summer was thrown in doubt when he re-injured his left hamstring while batting during Friday's Carlton Mid ODI win over South Africa at the WACA Ground.

It was Clarke's third hamstring injury since August, raising fears the 107-Test veteran would miss the first Test against India, starting in Brisbane on December 4.

But Marsh said the latest setback didn't appear too bad.

"He saw a guy this morning and I've never seen a happier doctor on our team," Marsh told Wide World of Sports on Sunday.

"He looked really happy with what's going to happen, so I'm backing Michael Clarke to play."

Despite Marsh's positivity, Clarke's immediate future - and his role in the upcomingTest series against India - does remain unclear.

Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin is on track to play in the first Test despite being ruled out of the entire ODI series against South Africa due to the shoulder injury he suffered in the UAE.

He would lead Australia, pending Cricket Australia board approval, should Clarke miss.

Clarke's hamstring/back issues come at a bad time for Australia as the team enters a packed schedule that includes the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup and an Ashes series in England next year.

Coach Darren Lehmann said he would leave it in Clarke's hands as to whether he wants to continue playing one-day cricket beyond the World Cup.