Clarke down with 'Delhi belly'

Bangalore, Oct 7 (UNI) With a couple of days to go before the start of the Test series, the Australian squad had some bad news coming its way with vice-captain Michael Clarke forced to miss practice today owing to a stomach bug.

Team officials said Clarke is expected to be fully fit before the first Test starts here on Thursday.

Clarke, who scored a century on debut during Australia's previous trip to India in 2004, is expected to play a crucial role in the Test series.

The right-handed middle order batsman is one of the better players of spin bowling in the Australian team and his left-arm spin will provide much needed back-up to the inexperienced spin attack.

The 27-year-old is also one of only four Aussie players, along with skipper Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden and Simon Katich, with previous experience of playing Test cricket in India.

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