Clarke manages 48 in cricket return

Michael Clarke has been dismissed for 48 runs in his return match in Sydney grade cricket at Pratten Park.

Clarke struck seven boundaries for Western Suburbs against Randwick-Petersham before he was out lbw trying to work a ball through fine leg on Saturday.

"I thought the boys bowled pretty well, so it was quite difficult to score and we lost a few wickets, but it was a lot of fun," Clarke told reporters after his innings.

Quick Single: Western Suburbs v Randwick-Petersham scorecard

"It could've been 200 and I would've been disappointed - I'm always disappointed when I get out.

"It was nice, I enjoyed it. I batted for a good length of time and the body feels pretty good.

"I was nervous. I've said before that no matter who I play for, I always get nervous before I bat.

"But yeah it was good fun, it was enjoyable that's for sure."

Around 500 people were on hand to watch the former Australian captain's return, however he was lucky to survive more than three balls after he was dropped at second slip.

He was also dropped again at second slip on 30, but his 95-ball innings also included some nice strokeplay.

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The innings was Clarke's first competitive outing since he retired from all forms of cricket at the end of last year's Ashes series.

Clarke mixed with the crowd during the lunch break, signing autographs for a large group of children on hand at the clash.

It is unknown whether Clarke will continue his cricket comeback, or if the match for Western Suburbs is just a one off appearance.

"My goal here is to come and try and contribute," Clarke said. 

"Fortunately I made a few runs, I always wants some more, but I'll worry about anything past that after this game.

"I didn't really have too many goals to be honest, it was more just to come back and play, walk out to the middle and as you would've seen there was certainly a bit of rust there, I didn't feel great, but it was nice to spend some time in the middle and score some runs.

"It's about playing the game, being in the field and hopefully bowling a few overs and then I'll assess next week."