Michael Clarke has provided the biggest indication yet he will take part in the World Cup – by scoring 64 in Wednesday’s warm-up game at the MCG.

Clarke, captaining Australia for the first time since undergoing hamstring surgery almost two months ago, had 92 minutes in the middle against the United Arab Emirates.

The 33-year-old, promoted to opener in an effort to ensure he had a decent knock, offered a sharp chance on two after winning the toss.

He steadied and kept the scoreboard ticking over in a 123-run partnership with Aaron Finch.

Coach Darren Lehmann and fellow selectors would have had limited interest in Clarke’s eight boundaries, more so his running between the wickets.

There was no dazzling pace or particularly sharp turns, while the right-hander looked to be running within himself at times.

But Clarke managed an all-run four and followed it up with a quick single, suggesting he is shaping up well for the one-day tournament.

Clarke and Finch both fell to offspinner Nasir Aziz, picking out Shaiman Anwar at long on.

Selectors are yet to rule Clarke out of Saturday’s World Cup opener against England at the MCG.

It is likely they will instead want him on limited duties for a further week before Australia face Bangladesh on February 21.

Chief selector Rod Marsh last month nominated that match in Brisbane as Clarke’s final fitness deadline, with the veteran to be dropped from the squad if he is not up to scratch then.

“What we don’t want is talk about people’s fitness,” Marsh said on January 11.

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

Clarke was initially given little hope of making the deadline, but has exceeded expectations in his recovery.

“It’s a practice match and Michael might be able to walk out there and have a hit, and just hit boundaries and not worry about running between wickets,” Marsh said at the time, when discussing Clarke’s prospects of taking on the UAE.