Clarke wants to bat on after World Cup

Australian captain Michael Clarke wants to extend his one-day international career even if his side are knocked out of the World Cup by Pakistan on Friday.

Clarke says his future in the 50-over format won’t be decided by his ongoing injury battles.

“I have had injury concerns since I was 17 years of age,” Clarke told reporters on Thursday.

“And I have managed to play over 200 one-dayers and over 100 Test matches so it hasn’t stopped me to date. And I don’t think it will do after this series either.”

Clarke overcame a hamstring tear just to play in the World Cup, after also struggling with a long-term back injury and hamstring strains early in the summer.

But the 33-year-old hasn’t afforded himself any moment of satisfaction in his successful return, saying his future would be decided by one thing: performances.

“A lot of players have had injuries throughout their career and worked their backsides off to get back out on the park,” Clarke said.

“Walking back out on the field to represent your country is a very special feeling.

“But if you don’t perform you don’t get that opportunity. I’m fortunate to be back out on the park and I need to make sure I’m performing and leading the way as captain of this team.”

Like most, Clarke was relishing the arrival of the finals in a tournament which started on February 14.

“Everybody is happy it’s finally here, there’s no doubt about it,” he said of the sudden-death phase.

“I think you have probably noticed it more from the public and the media, to be honest.

“Obviously it has been a long tournament, it has been a really good tournament though for the game of cricket.

“… Everybody is at the stage now where it has been building and building, everybody is really excited that we are finally here.

“Your number one goal is to make it to the quarter-finals firstly. And when you get here, now you look forward to that big stage and playing against the best.”

Australian selectors were still considering their team, with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood vying for one fast bowling berth.

And Clarke forecast pacemen to play a significant role on an Adelaide Oval pitch showing green tinges on Thursday.

“Fast bowing will play a big part tomorrow, especially if they leave that grass on the wicket like there is now – fingers crossed,” he said.

“But I think both teams have good fast bowlers in their line-ups so the batters are going to have to make sure we play really well.”

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