Clarke primed to return but rain beckons

2015 World Cup

Cricket365
February 26, 2015

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."