Clarke declares his back is fine

Australia could have done with the skipper injecting his left-arm offspin into the attack on a flat fourth day against Worcestershire.

A lifeless New Road pitch contributed to the match petering out to a draw.

But Clarke says if the situation demands during the Test series, he'll be ready to roll his very capable arm over and provide some important variation.

"Hopefully I won't be required but I'll certainly be able to bowl. I won't be (not bowling) because of my back that's for sure," he said.

Clarke's form and fitness during the warm-up matches against Somerset and Worcestershire is a major confidence booster heading into the Tests.

The 32-year-old was ruled out for the entire Champions Trophy campaign due to his degenerative back condition and there were concerns over his long-term future.

But Clarke has looked so free at the crease it's as if he hasn't spent three months on the sidelines since being ruled out of the fourth Test against India in March.

Clarke started with a half century against Somerset then made a 50 and a superb 124 against Worcestershire.

The skipper has batted at No.4 in every instance but has refused to confirm that's where he'll bat in the Tests.

Clarke said he feels as good as can be expected.

"A little bit stiff. I think my whole body generally has been a little bit stiff over the past couple of days. Just getting back into four-day cricket. But in general I'm feeling really good," he said.

"More than the runs is the time in the middle for me. I think I've just been slowly building up some time out in the centre and it was nice to spend a bit more time.

"It's always nice to make a hundred in any form of the game, that's for sure. I feel like I'm getting there slowly, which is nice."

Clarke averages 63.9 at No.5 and just 22 at No.4 in Tests.

But he denies he's preferred batting at No.5 and says his final decision will be influenced by the mix of players selectors give to him.

"I've batted four my whole career in first-class cricket. Batted five for Australia the past couple of years and had a bit of success there," he said.

"But I've said for a long time I'll bat wherever suits the team, and this series will be no different."