Summary The 32-year-old now faces a rigorous eight months of international cricket.
SYDNEY (AP) - Australia captain Michael Clarke says he's confident his chronic back problem will cope with the rigors of back-to-back Ashes series starting in England on July 10.
Clarke, who was diagnosed with a degenerative back condition at the age of 17, has been under an injury cloud since missing the fourth test of Australia's tour of India in March.
The 32-year-old now faces a rigorous eight months of international cricket, starting with the Champions Trophy one-day tournament next month, followed immediately by the Ashes in England, and then a return Ashes series in Australia starting Nov. 21.
Clarke said Wednesday he's "confident (my back) will be no different to how it has been throughout my career."
