Clarke makes the grade in solid but unspectacular return
Former Test skipper Michael Clarke has backed up his 48 on return with a second innings knock of 30 in Sydney grade cricket.
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke before a training session with NSW grade cricket club Western Suburbs. Photo: Paul Miller, AAP.
While Clarke admitted feeling rusty in his first match since last year’s ill-fated Ashes campaign, he helped his longtime club Western Suburbs claim their first win of the season.
His 48 on Saturday was his team’s top score and they went on to beat Randwick-Petersham on first innings points in the two-day match as the visitors made 169 in reply to Western Suburbs’ 209 at home ground Pratten Park.
Batting for a second time, Clarke moved up one spot to open the innings on Sunday and made 30 before being caught.
Seemingly enjoying the spotlight once more, Clarke has been coy about his ambitions for his return, although he has been linked to Twenty20 competitions and has refused to rule out an attempted comeback to any national team.
Speaking after Saturday’s knock, he said: “Who knows? I need a couple of days,” he said.
“Let me … pull up Monday and Tuesday and then I will see how I go.
“The boys have already told me the club is playing Northern Districts next week and they’re here again, but it’s one game at a time.”
-AAP
