Australia captain Michael Clarke has lost his race to be fit for Saturday's blockbuster World Cup opener against England. Coach Darren Lehmann confirmed that Clarke would not play at the MCG despite the 33-year-old's quicker-than-expected recovery from hamstring surgery. Clarke pulled on an Australia shirt for the first time in two months on Wednesday night, hitting 64 and bowling two overs of spin, as his side finalised their World Cup preparations with a 188-run win over United Arab Emirates. Australia will not risk their captain Michael Clarke (left) for their opening World Cup match against England The Australia captain has been racing against time to recover from a hamstring injury
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England take on Australia in their opening World Cup game on Saturday
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Michael Clarke will miss the game as he recovers from a hamstring injury
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Clarke is expected to return for Australia's next game against Bangladesh
Now it's about a good solid week and get ready for @placeholder.'