MELBOURNE, Australia —
Australian opener Aaron Finch likes what he saw yesterday from 22 yards away.
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With the whole of Australia agog about the captain Michael Clarke’s fitness, there was a lot of focus in their warm-up match against the UAE at Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday. And Finch was closest to the action when Clarke decided to open the innings after winning the toss.
Recovering from a serious hamstring injury, Clarke top-scored for his side with a knock of 64, and also shared a stand of 123 runs for the opening wicket with Finch.
“The way Michael played was outstanding. He got through beautifully. He batted well, and bowled a couple of overs,” said Finch, who made 61 runs in the match.
“It was a chance for him to… not to impress, because he has done that for all these year, but to reassure himself that he’s going well and the hamstring is very good.
From all reports he got through well, but we will have to wait and see how it goes for the next couple of days.”
Clarke was expected to be back for Australia’s second match against Bangladesh on February 21, but there is now a likelihood that he might lead out the team when they take on England onFebruary 14.
A decision will be taken by coach Darren Lehmann after consultation with the medical team over the next couple of days, but Finch seemed convinced about Clarke’s fitness.
“When we were out there, we ran a four and then a one back-to-back. And I told him that will be front-page news tomorrow,” said Finch.
“That’s obviously his fitness test right there. No…he was all right and I never felt under any pressure to take a run slower or not to take quick single. I think from his point of view, it was a great success.
“From what I saw from the other end, I thought he played well, his feet were moving beautifully and he ran well.
“We have got a pretty expert medical staff that will make the decision with the coach over the next couple of days.”
And Finch added that he was not the least bit surprised that Clarke was making a recovery that seemed ahead of time.
“You see with Michael’s professionalism, with everything that he does with regards to preparation towards the game, he never leaves any stone unturned – whether he is 100 per cent fit, or whether he is coming back from an injury,” added Finch.
“That’s the amazing thing I have seen in him in my very short career, the dedication that he has to play for Australia is second to none and he never leaves anything to chance.
“I am not surprised about how he has gone about his rehab and all that. It is inspiring to see how hard he has worked for this. It is a home World Cup and probably his last chance to win one. He desperately wants to be a part of it and I know anybody would make any sacrifice to be there.”
