Michael Clarke comeback continues apace

Australian captain Michael Clarke has taken another big stride towards proving his fitness for the World Cup, surprisingly throwing himself into the bowling attack against Bangladesh.

In the surest sign yet that Clarke will be right for the World Cup following hamstring surgery, he looked untroubled as he bowled two overs of spin while playing for a Cricket Australia XI in a practice one-dayer at Brisbane’s Allan Border Field.

Clarke jogged off the field at the conclusion of his second over, the 32nd of the innings, and did not re-emerge, but his fitness was clearly not in question.

However, the likelihood of him being able to spend a lengthy stretch batting later in the day diminished as Bangladesh were dismissed for 193.

Despite suggestions Clarke would be restricted to only light fielding duties, he was deployed in multiple positions and managed get down low to take a catch while in the slips cordon.

The 33-year-old bent forward to pocket an edge from Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan off the bowling of Ashton Turner.

Clarke also spent time at midwicket and also stopped to sign merchandise and take photos with fans while fielding along the boundary.

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