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
-
NewsSri Lanka v England Day 2: Familiar faces keep England in the hunt at Galle
James Anderson and Joe Root raised the bar in the second Test against Sri Lanka.
-
NewsEngland paceman James Anderson still finding ways to get better
Anderson’s six for 40 was his best performance in Asian conditions.
-
NewsMasterful Joe Root leads England fightback against Sri Lanka
The captain was unbeaten on 67 at stumps on day two of the second Test.
-
NewsJames Anderson leads the way as England bowl Sri Lanka out for 381
Spinners Jack Leach and Dom Bess were left to nurse a combined return of nought for 195 in 64 overs.
-
NewsJames Anderson lands key wicket but Niroshan Dickwella fights on
England’s record wicket-taker was immediately on the hunt again, finding sharp movement off the pitch to remove Mathews in his first over.
-
NewsOn this day in 2016: Shivnarine Chanderpaul announces international retirement
Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2008, the West Indies batsman became only the second player to make a double century in his first Test as captain.
-
NewsSri Lanka v England Day One: Anderson and Mathews vie for control in Galle
James Anderson returned figures of three for 24.
-
NewsJames Anderson reveals nerves on Test return
The England seamer added to his 600 wickets as Sri Lanka finished day one on 229 for four in Galle.
-
NewsAlex Hales hits blistering Big Bash century
Hales has been in international exile since a second recreational drug test failure on the eve of England’s triumphant World Cup campaign.
-
NewsAngelo Mathews century repels England after James Anderson’s three-wicket burst
The 38-year-old finished with exemplary figures of three for 24 on a surface offering precious little encouragement.