Clarke sets sights on 2019 World Cup

Injured Australia skipper Michael Clarke believes his playing career could extend as far as the 2019 ICC World Cup.

Despite having battled to overcome chronic back and hamstring troubles over the past year, Clarke says a long-term future at the top level is realistic.

“It’s funny, a lot of people have said or thought, ‘Michael is going to retire at the end of this World Cup’,” he told News Ltd.

“I’m sure I am going to retire at the end of a World Cup, but I don’t think it’s this one.

“I’m 33 years of age – look at someone like Brad Haddin, who is 37 and still loving his cricket and contributing to the team.

“I don’t see any reason why I can’t play in the next World Cup.”

Clarke batted in the Sydney Cricket Ground nets yesterday to give every indication that his recovery from hamstring surgery is progressing well, though he reiterated that a return to the side for the February 14 World Cup opener was highly unlikely, with February 21 against Bangladesh the cut-off point to prove his fitness.

“The boys are playing at the SCG so I’ll go and bat again,” he added.

“It will be restricted, but I’m hoping I can just continually build it up over the next few weeks.

“I’m going to struggle for the first game of the World Cup. The reason I can say that in advance now is because the surgeon feels there’s a certain time frame my hamstring needs before he feels comfortable.

“At the moment I’m following the Australian medical staff rehab program but a lot of that is dictated by the surgeon.

“I’m flying to Melbourne on Saturday to see the surgeon on Sunday.”

At Australia’s squad announcement last Sunday, Clarke was upbeat about his chances of making the February 21 deadline.

"I'm confident I'll be fit,” he said.

“I'm sure there will be (fitness) tests along the way, my goal is to pass every single one of those and when that happens I'll be fit to walk out."