Rain no obstacle for focused Clarke

Not even the pouring rain could stop Australia captain Michael Clarke from continuing his race against the clock to be fit for the ICC Cricket World Cup.

The inured skipper ran lap after lap at a good pace and appeared unimpeded on his surgically repaired hamstring.

Clarke must be fit and available for selection for Australia’s second World Cup group stage clash against Bangladesh on February 21 or he will be replaced in the 15-man squad for the remainder of the tournament.

But signs are looking good for the 33-year-old.

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Clarke is said to be ahead of schedule, batting in the SCG nets and bowling this week, and has joined Australia’s training sessions in the lead-up to today’s match, albeit in the role as spectator and acting umpire.

Clarke injured his right hamstring during the first Commonwealth Bank Test against India in Adelaide, and underwent surgery on December 16.

Australia’s World Cup Fixtures

February 14: v England, 2:30pm at the MCG

February 21: v Bangladesh, 1:30pm at the Gabba

February 28: v New Zealand, 2:00pm at Eden Park (NZ)

March 4: v Afghanistan, 2:30pm at the WACA

March 8: v Sri Lanka, 2:30pm at the SCG

March 13: v Scotland, 2:30pm at Blundstone Arena

View the full fixture list here

#CmonAussie

Remember, you can also support Australia on the road to the World Cup by either tweeting @CricketAus the hashtag #CmonAussie or visiting this page to get your digital autograph from Clarke and go on to purchase your very own personalised World Cup top.

Get your 'digigraph' here