Smith and I could play together in Australian team: Clarke

Sydney, Jan 26 (IANS) Injured Australian skipper Michael Clarke, nursing a hamstring injury, has hinted at the possibility of both him and Steven Smith featuring together in the World Cup despite having similar roles in the team.

Clarke has been given a Feb 21 deadline by Cricket Australia (CA) to make himself available to captain the team for the mega event, starting Feb 14.

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Clarke's recent international activity has been hampered by prolonged fitness problems that forced him to partially miss the India-Australia Test series recently. Smith led the side in his absence.

“It’s about trying to pick the best 11 players,” Clarke was quoted as saying by news.com.au Monday.

“I don’t think it’s about any individual. There’s roles to play for every player. You know your strengths.”

Earlier, critics and experts had questioned how Clarke and Smith could be in the side together, if Clarke declares himself fit, as they had similar batting styles and roles in the team. Both are right handed middle-order batsmen.

Clarke, however, said his only concern right now was to get fit as quickly as possible and get on the field of play.

“Right now, for me it’s about getting fit, about getting back on the park. Once I’ve done that, the selectors will work out what’s the best XI and we’ll go with that,” he added.