Michael Clarke Hits Quickfire 50 in Warm-up Tie vs UAE

Michael Clarke in action against UAE in a warm-up match.

© AFP

Australia captain Michael Clarke scored a fifty in his first competitive match to test his hamstring. Clarke, opened the Australian innings with Aaron Finch and scored 64 off 61 balls in a warm-up match against the UAE at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday. Australia scored 304 for eight wickets in their 50 overs. Clarke smashed eight boundaries. (Complete coverage of the World Cup )

Clarke, fighting to get fit for the World Cup, opened the innings in place of regular opener David Warner, who did not bat. Except Shane Watson (34) and George Bailey (46), all top five Aussie batsmen scored fifties. Clarke has been fighting to regain fitness after he was injured during the first Test against India in Adelaide in December last year. (Also read: Greg Chappell says Aussies favourite but India have a chance too )

Clarke has to prove his fitness by February 21 and could miss Australia's World Cup opener versus England on February 14. After Wednesday's knock, Clarke could beat the clock and lead the team out on Day 1 of the world championship.

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Shweta Pandey

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