Clarke primed to return but rain beckons

Australia captain Michael Clarke is primed to make his long awaited comeback from a hamstring injury and play against Bangladesh, in the co-hosts' second World Cup match, in Brisbane on Saturday.
The Aussie skipper's return could however be curtailed due to heavy rains that have hit the Brisbane area, with the groundsman at the 'Gabba, Kevin Mitchell, not feeling positive about any play being possible.
Clarke, who last played an international match in the first Test against India in November, has now sufficiently recovered from having surgery on a troublesome hamstring.
He said: "This is the first time in my career that I have had to have surgery. I had niggles in the past but I haven't missed as much cricket as I have in the last couple of months. But I put faith in my preparation and work I have done.
"I am 100 percent confident I can walk out on the field and help the team achieve success."
Regarding who he would be replacing in Australia's starting line-up, Clarke did not want to reveal the team as the changing weather conditions will dictate the composition of the side they will go with.
Clarke said: "We've selected a team but I'm not going to announce it today in case the format of the game changes.
"So if it becomes a 40-over game, a 20-over game whatever it is that gives the selectors options if they want to change the team, so I don't think it would be smart of me to announce that right now."
"The forecast is obviously not great but to be honest our main focus is on the people of Queensland. (But) if we get on the field we will be 100 per cent ready."
Latest
-
News
Lancashire slip to first defeat of Blast season against Birmingham
The Lightning lost their last seven wickets for 36 runs in 35 balls as they were bowled out for just 98.
-
News
England will not alter aggressive approach during Ashes – Brendon McCullum
England face Ireland before their build-up to the Ashes opener will contain days off, training and ‘quality time’.
-
News
Tom Banton inspires Somerset to third win from three at start of Blast campaign
Glamorgan lost regular wickets and were all out for 153 in 19.4 overs.
-
News
James Anderson and Ollie Robinson should be fit for Ashes – Brendon McCullum
The England seamers will miss the one-off Test against Ireland, as expected, but should be fit for the Ashes opener.
-
News
ICC chief Wasim Khan accepts Tests and franchise leagues must learn to coexist
Jason Roy last week cancelled his England incremental contract to play in Major League Cricket.
-
T20 Blast
Tom Banton inspires Somerset to third win from three at start of Blast campaign
Glamorgan lost regular wickets and were all out for 153 in 19.4 overs.
-
County Cricket
Has ‘Bazball’ taken hold in county cricket? What the numbers tell us
Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes are keen to see their England side’s aggressive approach replicated in the domestic game.
-
England
Opening batter Ben Duckett backed to thrive long-term in second England chance
Since his recall late last year, Duckett has been the model opening batter for the regime under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
-
Women's Cricket
Alex Hartley: Taking indefinite break from cricket was ‘hardest decision’ ever
Hartley announced on her BBC No Balls Podcast on Friday that she had been “struggling mentally” for several months.
-
England
England will keep embracing risks during Ashes despite ‘blip’ – Daryl Mitchell
England have enjoyed some rousing successes since Ben Stokes and Kiwi favourite Brendon McCullum took over the Test team.