Clarke bats and bowls in practise match
Australia captain Michael Clarke continued his progress towards making a full recovery for his country's upcoming World Cup campaign by batting, bowling and spending some time in the field in a practise match on Thursday.
With Australia coach Darren Lehmann keeping a close eye on proceedings, Clarke surprised many at the Allan Border field in Brisbane when he bowled two overs for a Cricket Australia XI against the visiting Bangladesh team when they batted.
Clarke said about his bowling: "I've been bowling for the last three weeks in the nets, so the skipper needed a couple of overs so he asked if I was happy to bowl and I was certainly happy to."
The national skipper spent 32 overs in the field and then scored a fluent 34 with the bat, including six crisp boundaries. Clarke declared himself happy with the workout but still does not feel ready for the opening clash of the World Cup, against England on the 14 February.
He said: "I would have liked a few more runs. But I've pulled up pretty well. It was nice to be able to contribute. "The ideal world was to field for at least half the game. I think I fielded for 32 overs which was nice, then to have a bat as well.
"It is positive. It's another step forward. It's really dictated by the medical staff. I'm trying to get fit and healthy as soon as possible and then the experts will make those decisions.
"They probably would have liked 100 today. They probably would have liked me to field for the whole 50 overs as well.
"In my opinion, I think there's a gap between where I am now and playing a one-day international for Australia [next week]. But the fortunate [thing] is I've got plenty of time to close that gap."
Latest
-
News
England Women wrap up 4-1 series victory in New Zealand
Heather Knight top-scored with 35 in England’s chase of 137.
-
England
England will not adopt negative approach after humbling in India – Zak Crawley
England will aim to get ‘Bazball’ back on track this summer against West Indies and Pakistan.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.