MX23RW : Tuesday, November 26 05:48:44| >> :600:4030618:4030618:

Michael Clarke "hopeful" of facing Sri Lanka

Clarke
© PA Photos
Australia captain Michael Clarke is hopeful of recovering from his back injury to face Sri Lanka in his side's Group A showdown with Angelo Mathew's side.

Australia captain Michael Clarke is "hopeful" he will be fit enough to return to action for his side's ICC Champions Trophy clash with Sri Lanka later today.

The 32-year-old has missed both of Australia's games so far with a back injury as they were defeated by England and had their clash with New Zealand abandoned.

"I'm hopeful, no doubt about that, but I really have to wait to see how I pull up tomorrow morning after training again today," Clarke told reporters. "My back is certainly improving, which is a positive."

Australia need to beat Sri Lanka by a huge margin to reach the last four to overtake New Zealand in second place in Group A and have a chance of retaining their title.

ID:89274: cacheID:89274:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1315:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Australian captain Michael Clarke celebrates after scoring a century against Sri Lanka on December 27, 2012
Read Next:
Clarke: 'I must improve leadership'
>
Read more about Michael Clarke Cricket