Cricket: Clarke in doubt for fourth Ashes test

LEEDS - Australia have some injury worries ahead of this week's fourth Ashes cricket test at Headingley with series leading runscorer Michael Clarke suffering a stomach strain.

The vice-captain suffered a minor abdominal strain during his innings of 103 not out on the final day of the drawn third Ashes test in Birmingham on Monday.

Clarke has been in sparkling form, having made 352 runs at 88 in the series and been Australia's most reliable batsman as they try to level the series at 1-1 with a win at Leeds.

The classy right-hander will sit out tomorrow's training session and is receiving regular treatment from Australian physiotherapist Alex Kountouris before the start of the Headingley clash on Friday.

"Michael Clarke has an abdominal strain that became sore after the completion of yesterday's game," Kountouris said.

"He will continue to be treated with a view to him being fit for the fourth test beginning on Friday."

The national side also has some dramas in the wicketkeeping department with Brad Haddin racing to be fit after breaking his finger last Thursday just minutes before the start of the opening day's play at Edgbaston.

Australian team management is "hopeful" that Haddin will be able to resume duties at Headingley with his stand-in Graham Manou also suffering a nasty blow to the hand late in Monday's play.

Ricky Ponting's men are due to train for the first time in Leeds tomorrow.

Meanwhile England have made some intriguing additions in their 14-man squad for the Leeds test with left-arm seamer Ryan Sidebottom and uncapped batsman Jonathan Trott called up.

The home side retained the 11 players that took the field at Edgbaston and in-form fast bowler Stephen Harmison with spinner Monty Panesar being omitted.

"We will need to carefully assess the pitch and the overhead conditions at Headingley before finalising our eleven for this test and the inclusion of Stephen Harmison and Ryan Sidebottom will give us different types of pace bowling options," England selection boss Geoff Miller said.

"Both players have been in good form for their counties in recent weeks and as selectors we are delighted that competition for places in the side is so strong."

Allrounder Andrew Flintoff has been given time to prove his fitness with his ongoing knee injury severely restricting his movement in his farewell test series.

"We will continue to closely monitor Andrew Flintoff's fitness in the build-up to Headingley," Miller said.

"His right knee will be reassessed by our medical staff over the next forty-eight hours and no final decision on his availability will be taken until closer to the start of the test match."

- AAP