Australia v UAE 2015: coverage of Aussie World Cup warm-up game at MCG
The fact Lehmann is so bullish about his skipper’s fitness ahead of the England match can only be a good sign.
“We’ll sum it up tomorrow, see how he pulls up more than anything,” Lehmann told Fox Sports News.
“See how he gets through … and we’ll see what happens from here.
“He played really well, which is nice to see after coming back from the hamstring.
Clarke proves he's ready
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“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.
“Really pleased with that start and he’s been really confident.”
Australia made 8-304, and bowled out the gritty minnows for 116 under lights at the MCG.
Clarke would appear to still have another gear to get to before he plays a proper World Cup fixture, but he still pushed himself against the UAE — in one over running four, and then next ball scooting through for a quick single.
Two hours before play, Clarke put himself through an hour of running and fielding drills in another indication of just how hard he’s pushing his body.
Clarke sent down a couple of overs at the MCG. Picture: Wayne Ludbey.
Source: News Corp Australia
The day before he completed an arduous session in blazing heat — and his body of work over the past 48 hours suggests Clarke should breeze through next week’s highly-anticipated fitness test deadline.
Clarke batted for 90 minutes yesterday and, even though he was dropped at cover on two, he was the most impressive of the Australian batsmen and the highest scorer.
There were eight fours in Clarke’s tidy knock and he put on 123 for the first wicket alongside Aaron Finch (61 from 68 balls).
Ultimately he was out skying Nasir Aziz (three wickets) to the deep.
Opening partner Finch said realistically, this was Clarke’s last chance at winning a World Cup and he was in awe of the skipper’s drive and professionalism.
“He never leaves any stone unturned. That’s been an amazing thing I’ve seen in my very short career so far is the dedication he has to playing for Australia is second to none,” said Finch.
“If we’re realistic it’s his last opportunity at winning a World Cup so he wants to be a part of it.
“Michael got through beautifully.
Aaron Finch smokes a ball for six against the UAE. Picture: Wayne Ludbey.
Source: News Corp Australia
“When we were out there we ran a four and then a one back-to-back, and I said, ‘that’ll be front page news tomorrow, that’s obviously your fitness test right there.’
“From his point of view I think it would have been a great success... his feet moved well, he hit the ball cleanly and ran well.
In the field, Clarke was in a buoyant mood as he joked and celebrated with teammates.
Shane Watson took a super catch to dismiss Swapnil Patil off Mitchell Johnson. Picture:Wayne Ludbey
Source: News Corp Australia
Bailey would be disappointed to have only made 46, although it was hard to judge the intensity of Wednesday’s encounter, and he’s fighting against hope to retain his spot in Australia’s XI beyond this week anyway.
Steve Smith, who made a rare low score in Sunday’s first warm-up against India, bounced back with a well-made 59 to ensure most of Australia’s batsmen enter the World Cup opener breathing fire.
Pacemen Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Xavier Doherty took two wickets each.
