Johnson says Clarke has the Australian side’s full backing should he return against Bangladesh on Saturday.
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Australian bowling spearhead Mitchell Johnson has backed skipper Michael Clarke to play in Saturday’s World Cup clash against Bangladesh in Brisbane.
Clarke must play against Bangladesh or risk being ruled out of the rest of the tournament after being set a February 21 deadline to return from his hamstring injury.
The 33-year-old is expected to play at the Gabba after travelling with the squad on Tuesday afternoon.
Johnson welcomed Clarke’s return, but admitted he was unsure of the skipper’s playing role on Saturday.
“I know that he is ready to go,” Johnson is quoted as saying by AAP.
“But I don’t know from a playing point of view what the plan is.
“He is doing what he needs to do. He is not making it a distraction for us.
“Whenever that chance is when he gets back in we will be ready for him.”
Johnson said Clarke had the team’s full backing despite George Bailey captaining the side to a crushing win over England at the MCG last Saturday.
“I love the captaincy that he brings,” Johnson said on Tuesday.
“He has got so much experience and George does as well.
“But Michael Clarke has been the captain for a number of years now.
“I know he has the boys’ full support.”
Australia face Bangladesh at 3.30am (GMT) on Saturday.
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