Clarke scores 44, Aussies draw tour game

Michael Clarke has scored an unbeaten 44, with Australia wrapping up preparations for the third Ashes Test with a draw against Derbyshire.

Clarke promoted himself up the order in Saturday’s brief second innings, having missed out on a decent hit in Derby on Thursday.

Derbyshire wicketkeeper Harvey Hosein grassed a catch when Clarke was on 19 but otherwise it was a chance-less innings.

Clarke struggled for fluency at times but struck eight boundaries in a valuable 96-minute workout.

The skipper has scored two centuries in his past 26 Test innings, with the three-day game against Derbyshire his only time at the crease before the third Test starts on Wednesday.

Australia finished 1-95 in their second dig when the final day ended at 4.55pm local time.

Peter Nevill was behind the stumps for the entire Derbyshire innings, all but confirming he will stay in the Test XI after an impressive debut at Lord’s.

It means the only uncertainty over the side is whether Chris Rogers or Shaun Marsh will open the batting alongside David Warner.

Rogers ran drinks for the team on Saturday, having spent the past week in London due to his balance issues.

If he is unable to prove his fitness in the next few days, Shaun Marsh will play alongside brother Mitch at Edgbaston.

Mitch Marsh starred with the ball on Saturday, when the hosts resumed at 2-81 and were rolled for 259.

Marsh struck twice in his first over, slicing through the middle order in a burst of 3-9 in 19 deliveries.

Derbyshire captain Wayne Madsen, who has scored more than 7500 first-class runs, was trapped lbw by Marsh for 18.

Scott Elstone and Tom Knight were out edging to the allrounder, with David Warner and Adam Voges snaffling low catches.

Marsh later dismissed David Wainwright, with Clarke moving well to take the catch at second slip.

Shaun Marsh retired on 30, having scored 101 on day one, while Voges finished 16 not out.

Pacemen Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, offspinner Nathan Lyon and in-form batsman Steve Smith were rested from the first-class fixture.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!