News

Clarke not to play WC opener against England

by IBNS 12 Feb 2015, 09:01 am

Melbourne, Feb 12 (IBNS): Australian skipper Michael Clarke will not play the opening match of the World Cup against England on Saturday, officials said.

He is likely to  return in the match against Bangladesh.

In a warm-up match against UAE on Wednesday, Clarke had scored 64 runs besides bowling two overs.

Coach Darenn Lehmann was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au: "He's very keen to play. But we've got to make sure when he gets back he's ready to go and he will be come Saturday week."

"We would have loved to have him available for this first game, but we're making sure he's 100 per cent ready to go for Bangladesh," he said.

"We're going to stick with the plan and he'll play against Bangladesh," he said.

The Cricket World Cup will commence from Feb 14.