Putting his weight behind injured Michael Clarke, Australia coach Darren Lehmann has said the 33-year-old batsman’s recovery from a hamstring surgery is “ahead of schedule” and he will captain the national team in the upcoming cricket World Cup.
Lehmann ended weeks of speculation over Clarke’s participation in the ICC’s showpiece event, which begins on February 14.
“Definitely,” was Lehmann’s reaction when asked if Clarke would be fit in time to lead Australia in the World Cup.
“He’s (Clarke) ahead of schedule,” he added.
Clarke has time till Australia’s second pool match of the World Cup against Bangladesh on February 21 to prove his fitness. But Lehmann hoped that Clarke would make a comeback much earlier.
“Michael wants to lead his side really well and win the World Cup,” Lehmann said.
Meanwhile, Lehmann has issued a warning to out-of-form Australia vice-captain George Bailey, saying he needs to score runs to assure his place in the final XI during the World Cup.
“George needs to make runs like everyone else in the side, there’s no doubt about that,” Lehmann said.
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