Brisbane: Battling against time to prove his fitness ahead of the cricket World Cup, Michael Clarke took a baseball bat instead of the willow in an unconventional net session on Wednesday as the Australian captain looked set to return from injury.

In a draining net session at the Allan Border Field, Clarke belted the ball all around ahead of the practice match against Bangladesh, on Thursday.

Australian coach Darren Lehmann, who said he is "sick" of answering questions on Clarke's fitness, believes that Clarke is set to lead the side in the 50-over showpiece event.

"I think as a group we know he's ready to come back and play... And we want him to play. He's the captain of our team and he's going to lead us really well in the World Cup... Fingers crossed he gets through the next couple of games and he's ready to go," Lehmann was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald.

(Agencies)