Cricket Aus CEO backs deadline, Clarke

Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland has no qualms about the hardline stance national selectors adopted regarding Michael Clarke’s World Cup hopes.

Clarke was on Sunday named in Australia’s 15-man World Cup squad, but it came with a caveat for the 33-year-old who is recovering from hamstring surgery.

If Clarke is unable to prove he is fully fit by February 21, when Australia tackle Bangladesh in Brisbane, then he will be take no part in the tournament.

Co-hosts Australia play four more pool games after the Gabba match, with the knock-out phase to begin on March 18.

But chief selector Rod Marsh wanted things “completely and utterly settled” long before then.

“We had to draw the line somewhere, we just couldn’t keep it hanging on and on and on,” Marsh said on Sunday.

Sutherland backed the deadline, which applies to all 15 members of the squad with chronic injuries.

“I’m not concerned at all about that,” Sutherland told AAP.

“I think it’s good that everyone has that clarity.

“He’s a vital member of the Australian cricket team and it will be great to have him back on board.”

Clarke, speaking on Sunday alongside Marsh, was confident of regaining full fitness over the next six weeks.

Clarke, who has started running, is renowned for his diligence and dedication to rehab.

“While you sleep, I train. While you eat, I train. While you party, I train. February 21 is my goal,” Clarke posted on Twitter.

Clarke was sidelined for the final three Tests against India, ending his impressive record of never missing a home Test due to injury.

He has played six of Australia’s past 24 one-day internationals and 11 of their past 33.

With the exception of being rested on January 24 last year, Clarke’s back and hamstring woes have been responsible for the missed games.

In the past two ODIs he played, Clarke sustained a fresh hamstring injury.

But Sutherland was upbeat the classy right-hander would be fit and firing for the upcoming one-day tournament, which ends with the MCG final on March 29.

“What I’m really pleased about is the fact Michael has the opportunity to participate in the World Cup,” he said.

“Towards the end of last year it looked as though he wasn’t going to be in the mix at all.

“He’s been picked in the squad, which is great. There’s nothing we want more than for him to push all the right buttons and get himself fit enough to play.”

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