Australia's cricket captain Michael Clarke has had surgery on his injured right hamstring, increasing the likelihood that he won't be involved in next year's World Cup.
Australia captain Michael Clarke has been at Phil Hughes' bedside. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Clarke suffered serious back and hamstring injuries during Australia's first test win over India in Adelaide last week.
He conceded after the match there was a chance he would never play for his country again, though he also said he hoped to be fit in time to captain Australia on home soil in the World Cup starting in mid-February.
Michael Clarke celebrates his century on day two in Adelaide Photo: PHOTOSPORT
But Cricket Australia announced last night that the severity of Clarke's right hamstring injury meant that surgery was required.
The 25 year old Steve Smith has inherited the test captaincy, while George Bailey remains Clarke's understudy for one day internationals.
The new skipper Smith says he's surprised and honoured to being taking over from the injured Clarke.
The 25-year-old is now leading the team in the second Test against India at the Gabba.
Smith will maintain a leadership role when Clarke returns, replacing veteran wicketkeeper Brad Haddin as vice-captain.
He says he's keen to make his mark in the absence of the regular captain and develop his own style of on-field leadership.