The take home message and outward vibe from Clarke’s official World Cup presentation in Adelaide yesterday was: ‘I’m back and in charge.’
It’s understood a recent meeting with Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland clarified injury hit Clarke’so ongoing tenure as skipper despite speculation some players supported a transition to heir Steve Smith
Clarke, 33, is buoyed by his progress ahead of a selection-panel imposed timeline to be right for Australia’s February 21 World Cup clash against Bangladesh in Brisbane.
Clarke believes he has done the hard yards – mentally and physically – to rebound successfully from hamstring surgery in December.
“I back the work I have done,” beamed Clarke ahead of a sold out practice match tomorrow at Adelaide Oval against India where the veteran’s expected to rest.
“I have more rehab to do with the team but feel really good.”
Flying high is now the principal threat to Australian skipper Michael Clarke’s cherished dream of a World Cup comeback and title on home soil.
Clarke’s chronic back and hamstring ailments can be aggravated when flying. Australia will criss-cross the continent and Tasman through the protracted World Cup tournament that lasts until March 29.
Australia faces six group games including consecutive travel between Brisbane-Perth-Auckland for games against Bangladesh, New Zealand and minnow Afghanistan that will test Clarke’s fragile frame.
Asked if flying would impact in his World Cup availability, Clarke said: “I hope not, I have missed enough cricket over the past six months and keen to play every game for Australia. If I am told otherwise then that’s what I will do.
“I hope that once I can get back on the park that I am given every opportunity I can to play.”
Clarke had baulked at flying from Sydney for a practice match hit-out for a Cricket Australia XI against India in Adelaide last November ahead of the first Test. This would ostensibly have protected a hamstring injured in the one-day series against South Africa.
By contrast, Clarke has continually referenced adhering strictly to ‘Australian team medical staff’ requirements when quizzed on a return date from his latest round of rehabilitation.
“ I will be 100 per cent dictated by what they feel and believe,” said Clarke, boasting a supreme World Cup average of 83 over 18 games.
It’s fielding rather than batting or bowling that Clarke must nail at ‘full speed’ to convince selectors of his fitness.
“It is the area I need to be 100 per cent satisfied that my body can cope with going 100 miles an hour,” said Clarke who made 34 on 36 balls against Bangladesh for a CA XI on Brisbane on Thursday and bowled two overs.
Australia meets England in their World Cup opener on February 14 at the MCG where Clarke and allrounder James Faulkner (side) are expected to watch. However Clarke said Australia had the ‘talent’ to cover finisher with bat and ball.
Clarke will risk a serious pre-Ashes injury in order to captain Australia to victory on home soil. The No.1 one-day ranking is hollow, notes Clarke, without the World Cup trophy.
“Through my career winning the World Cup I have looked at as the No.1 team in the world,” he said.
If Clarke returns as expected for the February 21 clash against Bangladesh it would likely be at fill in skipper George Bailey’s expense.
Clarke will be expected to face the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday in Melbourne will he will push his frame to the limit, batting, bowling and in the field.
(source: www.foxsports.com.au)
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