Clarke trains, hopeful of playing in Ashes opener

Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke trained yesterday for the first time this week, telling team-mates his back injury was improving ahead of the Ashes Test opener against England.

Clarke missed last week’s Shef-field Shield game for New South Wales against Tasmania as a precaution, and sat out Australia’s training session on Monday.

But after looking a little restricted in his movements during a slips catching session, Clarke appeared to bat without discomfort in the nets as he faced throw-downs from national coach Tim Nielsen at yesterday’s team workout.

NSW team-mate Usman Khawaja has joined the squad on standby for Clarke, and the Pakistan-born left-hander, 23, is in line to make his Test debut at the Gabba tomorrow if Clarke cannot play.

However, Australian bowler Mit-chell Johnson said Clarke is on track to play tomorrow.