Michael Clarke "hopeful" of facing Sri Lanka

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.