Australia coach Darren Lehmann has confirmed that Michael Clarke will miss the World Cup opener against England on Saturday.
Clarke continued his recovery from a hamstring injury by hitting 64 to help the hosts to victory in his side's final warm-up game against the UAE, but despite initially suggesting that the captain could be ready for the meeting with England in Melbourne, Lehmann has revealed that the 33-year-old will be back for the second game against Bangladesh.
"Happy with the way he pulled up and really happy with his progress," Lehmann is quoted as saying by ESPN. "But we're going to stick with the plan and he'll play against Bangladesh.
"He's very keen to play but we've got to make sure that when he gets back he'll be ready to go, and he will be on Saturday week.
"We just had a chat. He's respectful of what we're trying to do, get him right. He's a quality player and a quality leader. Whilst we would have loved to have him available for this game, we're making sure he's 100% and ready to go for Bangladesh."
All-rounder James Faulkner is also out of the game against England, but he has been batting in the nets following a recent side strain.
Callum Mulvihill
