Australian model and presenter Kyly Clarke and Michael Clarke arrive for the global launch of Heidi Klum Intimates at Bondi Icebergs in Sydney, Australia, yesterday.
IANS/Sydney
Australian skipper Michael Clarke braved the pouring rain, powering through a wet training session at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) here yesterday to continue his race against the clock to be fit for the ICC Cricket World Cup.
According to Cricket Australia (CA) website, the inured skipper ran lap after lap at a good pace and appeared unimpeded on his surgically repaired hamstring.
Clarke must be fit and available for selection for Australia’s second World Cup group stage clash against Bangladesh Feb 21 or he will be replaced in the 15-man squad for the remainder of the tournament.
But signs are looking good for the 33-year-old.
Clarke is said to be ahead of schedule, batting in the SCG nets and bowling this week, and has joined Australia’s training sessions in the lead-up to yesterday’s match between India and Australia, albeit in the role as spectator.
Clarke injured his right hamstring during the first Test against India in Adelaide, and underwent surgery Dec 16.
Meanwhile, Clarke has hinted at the possibility of both him and Steven Smith featuring together in the World Cup despite having similar roles in the team.
Clarke has been given a Feb 21 deadline by Cricket Australia (CA) to make himself available to captain the team for the mega event, starting Feb 14.
Clarke’s recent international activity has been hampered by prolonged fitness problems that forced him to partially miss the India-Australia Test series recently. Smith led the side in his absence.
“It’s about trying to pick the best 11 players,” Clarke was quoted as saying by news.com.au yesterday.
“I don’t think it’s about any individual. There’s roles to play for every player. You know your strengths.”
Earlier, critics and experts had questioned how Clarke and Smith could be in the side together, if Clarke declares himself fit, as they had similar batting styles and roles in the team. Both are right handed middle-order batsmen.
Clarke, however, said his only concern right now was to get fit as quickly as possible and get on the field of play.
“Right now, for me it’s about getting fit, about getting back on the park. Once I’ve done that, the selectors will work out what’s the best XI and we’ll go with that,” he added.
