Clarke returns to nets

Back batting for the first time in three months, Australia captain Michael Clarke is unfazed about potential player burnout ahead of a punishing year-long schedule.

Australia's tour of Zimbabwe in August will mark the beginning of virtually non-stop cricket for Clarke and company right through until next year's Ashes series in England.

After Zimbabwe, the top-ranked Australians tackle Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, host South Africa in a one-day and Twenty20 series, then face India for four Tests over the summer.

Then there's a one-day series with India and England, followed by the World Cup, a West Indies tour and finally the Ashes in the UK in July-August.

Clarke, though, has no concerns about Australia's brutal workload.

"I don't think it's any different to how it's been for the last five years of my career," he said.

"We're very fortunate with the Australia team with how players are managed.

"Our support staff do a magnificent job – our physios, our doctors – and that goes back to the states and National Cricket Centre as well. We're doing the best we possibly can.

"You need to respect the fact that young cricketers – batsmen, bowlers – you're going to have injuries.

"You're pushing yourself to the maximum. That's natural in any sport."

Clarke hasn't played since his heroic century in the third Test in Cape Town secured a thrilling series win over the Proteas.

The 33-year-old was left battered, bruised and broken but has since recovered from his fractured shoulder.

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So well, in fact, is Clarke's body holding up that next month he'll enter uncharted waters as a crew member of the star-studded Perpetual Loyal in the Sydney to Gold Coast yacht race.

He admits his foray into ocean racing - primarily to raise money for children with life-threatening diseases and injuries - is a risk.

"I don't think I've ever been this uncomfortable doing something," Clarke said. "Whenever I go deep-sea fishing, I get crook, and I am petrified of sharks.

"It's intimidating, it's scary. I've never experienced being on the water like this.

"My comfort zone is to play cricket at whatever level. It's what I've done my whole life.

"So this is a new experience, a tough challenge and I'm excited, but there's no doubt there's a little bit of fear there as well.

"I don't really know what to expect."

Clarke says he has the blessing of Cricket Australia, who know their skipper is jumping into the deep end for a good cause.

"This charity is extremely close to me, so it's worth the risk to me," he said. "And this won't interfere with my cricket schedule."