“I’m sure I am going to retire at the end of a World Cup, but I don’t think it’s this one”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Australia captain Michael Clarke has announced that he doesn’t see any reason why he cannot play in the 2019 World Cup.

Clarke, who is currently recovering from having his hamstring surgically repaired, has to prove that he is fully fit before February 21 in order to represent his country in the 2015 World Cup.

“It’s funny, a lot of people have said or thought Michael is going to retire at the end of this World Cup,” Clarke said. “I’m sure I am going to retire at the end of a World Cup, but I don’t think it’s this one.

“I’m 33-years of age, look at someone like Brad Haddin who is 37 and still loving his cricket and contributing to the team. I don’t see any reason why I can’t play in the next World Cup.”

Clarke surprised a lot of people when he was seen batting in the nets at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Wednesday.

“The boys are playing at the SCG so I’ll go and bat again,” he said. “It will be restricted, but I’m hoping I can just continually build it up over the next few weeks.

“I’m going to struggle for the first game of the World Cup. The reason I can say that in advance now is because the surgeon feels there’s a certain time frame my hamstring needs before he feels comfortable.

“At the moment I’m following the Australian medical staff rehab program but a lot of that is dictated by the surgeon.

“I’m flying to Melbourne on Saturday to see the surgeon on Sunday. Time-frame wise I’m really confident I’ll be right to go at 100 per cent in the not too distant future.”