Michael Clarke has put together a compelling case to be picked for Australia’s World Cup opener, with selectors keen to see how he pulls up on Thursday.

Clarke on Wednesday provided the biggest indication yet he will take part in the one-day tournament – by top-scoring with 64 in the MCG warm-up game against the United Arab Emirates.

Clarke, captaining Australia for the first time since undergoing hamstring surgery almost two months ago, had 92 minutes in the middle after winning the toss.

The skipper bowled two overs, then returned for some fielding drills after Australia had rolled to a 188-run victory over the minnows.

“We’ll sum it up (on Thursday), see how he pulls up more than anything,” coach Darren Lehmann told Fox Sports, when asked about Clarke’s hopes of playing England on Saturday.

Selectors are expected to keep Clarke on limited duties until Australia face Bangladesh on February 21.

However, UAE skipper Mohammad Tauqir is among those who believe the 33-year-old is ready to go now.

“He looked fit enough. He batted beautifully and it’s good for Australia,” Tauqir said.

Clarke was promoted to opener in an effort to ensure he had a decent knock, forming a 123-run partnership with Aaron Finch.

Finch suggested he played on instinct and didn’t notice anything amiss in Clarke’s running between the wickets.

“He seemed fine. I didn’t feel as though I was under any pressure to run slower or not take quick singles,” Finch said.

“From all reports he got through very well, but we’ll have to wait and see over the next two days, I suppose.

“We’ve got a pretty expert medical staff that will make that decision with the coach and with Michael.”

Australia will have light training sessions on Thursday and Friday before opening their World Cup campaign at the MCG on Saturday.

A near-capacity crowd is expected for that fixture.