FORMER Test batsman David Boon believes injured Australia captain Michael Clarke won’t make himself available for the ICC Cricket World Cup unless he’s fully fit to play.Clarke is in a race against time to recover from hamstring surgery ahead of Australia’s second match of the tournament against Bangladesh in Brisbane on February 21.

The deadline was confirmed by Cricket Australia when the 15-man World Cup squad was unveiled earlier this month, with National Selector Rod Marsh saying CA doesn’t want the fitness of Clarke or any player to be a distraction during the tournament.
Clarke, who underwent surgery on his right hamstring tendon on December 16, is determined to prove his fitness and has been working diligently on his rehabilitation programme since he went under the knife.
While Clarke is determined to lead the side at cricket’s showpiece event, Boon says the 33-year-old will put the team first and step aside if he determines that he hasn’t recovered sufficiently in time.
“It’s difficult for me to comment not being on the inside or with Australian cricket anymore,” Boon told SEN radio.
“The Australian selectors have decided that they will keep him in that 15-man squad. They’re obviously hoping that he will be fit and they’ve set a date for that.
“Because if he’s not fit, they’re probably going to have to make an application to the ICC Technical Committee to replace him – if he won’t be able to play in the tournament the doctor is going to have to say that.
“In saying that, I think my knowledge of Michael as a person, I think if he doesn’t think he’s fit he won’t get there.
“He won’t just go and play because of it; he won’t let the team down or himself.”
Clarke continued his rehab programme at a rain-soaked Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday, running laps at a good pace ahead of Australia’s match against India, which was washed out.