Australian captain Michael Clarke has revealed he may need to travel in advance of teammates for future overseas tours such as next year's Ashes, to avoid breaking down.
Clarke says the left hamstring problem which threatens his involvement in Monday's tri-series one-day opener against Zimbabwe in Harare was further proof of his vulnerability to injury immediately following long-haul flights.
The latest setback for the 33-year-old, who suffers from a chronic back problem, is set to force a rethink in future travelling arrangements to ensure he has ample time to recuperate.
Clarke is begrudgingly accepting of the fact he may have to travel separate to the team, or at the very least factor in rest time between getting off the plane and training.
In 2013 Clarke's back gave in after touching down in the UK, ruling him out for the Champions Trophy tournament and shortening his Ashes preparations.
Next year, Australia return to England via a tour of the West Indies, and can ill-afford to risk losing their skipper and star batsman again.
"It's only taken 12 years to work it out ... (But) what I've learned through my career is that I probably need more time than most in regards to the gap between getting off a plane and training at full intensity," Clarke said in Harare, with a final decision on his fitness for the Zimbabwe clash to be made on Sunday.
"If it means I have to fly a couple of days earlier than the boys on the long trips then that's what I've got to do.
"It's hard because I'm a big believer in travelling with the team.
"Generally when I travel to the UK there aren't too many times that I haven't got injured at the start of the series and I'm normally at my most vulnerable at the start of a series.
"I think I've got to be smarter with that, or at least try and work out how I can travel with the team but also do what's best to make sure I can play that first game."
The Harare Sports Club was the scene of Clarke's first ODI century, scored against Zimbabwe back in 2004 when Australia last toured the troubled African nation.
However he would appear an unlikely starter for Monday given Australia's next clash is against South Africa on Wednesday, and with one eye on the jam-packed schedule that lays ahead for the team over the next 12 months.
If Clarke is ruled out, Phil Hughes will be rewarded for his stellar patch of form with Australia A and return to open the batting alongside Aaron Finch after 12 months out of international cricket.
Australian coach Darren Lehmann confirmed lethal left-arm duo the two Mitch's, Johnson and Starc, are certain starters to face Zimbabwe, after shaking up batsmen in a lively centre-wicket practice on Saturday at a nearby Harare Country Club.
Fellow quick Kane Richardson bowled extensively on Saturday and Lehmann indicated he was keen for another look at the South Australian at ODI level - although with a dry wicket anticipated, Australia will likely have to find room for spinner Nathan Lyon amongst their bevy of all-rounders.
"Kane Richardson got selected on the back of some really good performances and specifically because of his death bowling," said Lehmann.
"We want to have a look at him at this level."
Likely Aust team: Aaron Finch, Phil Hughes/Michael Clarke, George Bailey, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Marsh, James Faulkner, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson/Nathan Lyon
A TO Z OF AUSTRALIA IN ZIMBABWE
*Zimbabwe have won five of their past 21 one-day internationals.
*Australia last toured Zimbabwe in 2004 where the Test matches were canned but one-dayers retained. Darren Lehmann took 4-7 in game two and Michael Clarke scored his maiden ODI ton in game three of the series swept 3-0 by Australia.
*Overall record Australia v Zimbabwe
Played 28, Australia 26, Zimbabwe 1, NR 1
*Australia to play South Africa in game two of the round robin series on Wednesday
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