Clarke skips practice due to stomach bug

Australia's preparation for the first Test against India received another jolt with vice captain Michael Clarke skipping Tuesday's practice session owing to a stomach bug.

Australia's preparation for the first Test against India received another jolt with vice captain Michael Clarke skipping Tuesday's practice session owing to a stomach bug.

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Though the team management expects Clarke to be fit for the first Test starting Thursday, it only adds to the visitors' woes after a chest virus forced all-rounder Shane Watson to skip the four-day practice match against the Board President's XI in Hyderabad.

Earlier, Australia's preferred spinner Bryce McGain was ruled out of the series due to a shoulder injury which he had picked up in India last month.

In his absence, Jason Krejza was almost destined to make his Test debut in Bangalore but the rookie off-spinner's dismal show against the Board President's XI forced the team management to rush in Victorian all-rounder Cameron White as McGain's replacement.

With the Board President's XI batsmen exposing Australia's thin spin resource, Clarke has a crucial role to play with his left-arm spin as well.

Bangalore has been a happy hunting ground for Clarke who made a century in his debut Test against India in 2004.