Former greats doubt Clarke could ever become Test captain

Michael Clarke should never become a Test captain, considering his injury worries and Ricky Ponting's desire to lead the national side to England for Ashes revenge in 2013, feel former Australian greats.

Michael Clarke should never become a Test captain, considering his injury worries and Ricky Ponting's desire to lead the national side to England for Ashes revenge in 2013, feel former Australian greats.

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Clarke, who returned to the Test squad after recovering from a back injury, expressed his desire to lead Australia in Test after Ponting calls it quits but former wicketkeeper Ian Healy said the 28-year-old has yet to prove he is durable enough to bag the top job.

"Michael Clarke hasn't convinced me that he's durable enough to be a captain," said Healy, the long-serving deputy to Mark Taylor, was quoted as saying in the Daily Telegraph.

"Clarkey has to get on the field -- that's an issue he has to address before we ask who should replace Ricky. Michael has missed a lot of games lately and that's not a good sign. He should not come into the equation at all until Ricky Ponting wants a succession plan."

Healy found an ally in former Test captain Kim Hughes, who expressed concern about Clarke's health.

"Ponting's efforts in India is some of the best leadership I've seen in decades. He was simply magnificent. To triumph in India, when we were 2-1 down, with all the injuries, his leadership was outstanding," said Hughes.

"Michael Clarke is getting experience, but there must be a question mark over him now with his back. The danger is that Clarke, because of his degenerative back injury, he might only be able to play Test cricket."