World Cup: Darren Lehmann non-commital on whether Michael Clarke will face England
Australia captain scored 64 on return to side in warm-up win over UAE
Wednesday 11 February 2015 10:28, UK
Darren Lehmann has remained coy over whether Michael Clarke will figure in Australia’s World Cup opener against England.
Australia captain Clarke scored 64 in a warm-up win over UAE on Wednesday in his first international innings in almost two months following a hamstring injury.
The 33-year-old also got through two overs of spin but Baggy Greens coach Lehmann says Clarke will be assessed fully before any decision is made as to his availability for Saturday’s game in Melbourne.
“I'm not saying anything,” said Lehmann, during Australia’s 188-run victory over UAE, in which Clarke batted for 62 deliveries and scored eight fours.
"We'll sum it up tomorrow [Thursday] to see how he pulls up more than anything. The fielding is probably going to be the big thing.
"He's been batting really well for the last couple of weeks, so no dramas there. He’s been really confident and we’re really pleased with that start.
“He played really well, which is nice to see after coming back from the hamstring.”
Clarke top scored for Australia against Associate nation UAE, with Aaron Finch (61) and Steven Smith (59) notching further half centuries and George Bailey (46), who has been leading the side in Clarke’s absence, also contributing in a score of 304-8.
Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who could be competing for one spot in Australia’s pace attack at the World Cup, then claimed two top-order wickets apiece as the Baggy Greens won at a canter at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Watch each and every game of the ICC Cricket World Cup on our dedicated channel, Sky Sports World Cup, starting with New Zealand against Sri Lanka from 10pm on Friday 13 February.
Before then don’t miss our World Cup Preview Show, with Nasser Hussain and Michael Vaughan, from 8pm on Friday on the same channel.
