(MENAFN- Kora)
The Australian skipper's century in the series-deciding Test against South Africa has taken on added significance after the extent of his injury was revealed on Monday
Clarke endured a barrage of short balls on the first day of the Test in Cape Town in March and was hit numerous times with Morne Morkel the main offender
But he weathered the storm and went on to make a crucial unbeaten 161 that laid the platform for Australia's victory and subsequent series triumph
Scans on Monday revealed a fracture to his left shoulder, which will rule him out of this weekend's Sheffield Shield final between New South Wales and Western Australia
"Michael Clarke was injured as a result of being struck on the left shoulder during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town," said Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris
"We have since done a series of scans that have demonstrated a fracture near his shoulder joint
"We expect that this will heal with a period of rest.
In better news, Clarke was cleared of any serious injury to his thumb, which was left bloodied after another ferocious Morkel delivery
Clarke will enjoy a long period of rest with Australia's next Test series not until October when they take on Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates
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