Even if he was to make a miraculous recovery, he would be short on match practice and his movement would also be restricted in the field. A more realistic return date would be Australia's Test tour of the West Indies in June and the Ashes series which follows immediately after.

"Michael has substantial damage to a key part of the hamstring tendon": Australia’s team doctor Peter Brukner. Credit:Getty Images

"Michael was assessed by a surgeon in Melbourne early this evening and will be undergoing surgery tomorrow to repair his injured right hamstring," said Australia's team doctor Peter Brukner. "Whilst surgery is not always required with hamstring injuries, Michael has substantial damage to a key part of the hamstring tendon and it was felt the best course of action was to surgically repair the damaged area. His recovery and the timing of his return to play will be dependent on the surgeon's advice and how well he recovers in the coming weeks."

Clarke's long-term future is also unclear after he stated on Saturday he may have played his last game after injuring his hamstring for the eighth time in his career. His latest injury is his fourth in as many months.

But it's understood Clarke will make an attempt to come back from his latest breakdown though there must be question marks over how the rising 34-year-old will recover from arguably the most serious injury of his career.