Coach Darren Lehmann bats for Clarke

In an attempt to quash rumors surrounding Michael Clarke's captaincy, Australian coach Darren Lehmann has backed the batsman as skipper of the team ahead of the World Cup.

Clarke made a comeback in a grade match in Sydney last weekend, scoring 51 in his first action since hamstring surgery in December.

Lehmann said that Clarke was the captain of Australia, the second most important position behind the prime minister and as such, they need their captain playing well, the BBC reported.

Denying any sorts of rift with Clarke, Lehmann said that he was sick of it (speculation), adding that they all get on and they wanted their captain fit and ready to go as he leads the side very well, the report added.

Lehmann added that Clarke's comeback from injury is ahead of schedule.

Australia will open their World Cup campaign against England on February 14 in Melbourne.