Clarke set to play in first Test

Michael Clarke arrives at Sydney International Airport following the tour of India

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Michael Clarke has backed himself to be fit to play in Australia’s opening Test of the summer against New Zealand at the Gabba.

The Australia vice-captain suffered a chest infection during the recent tour to India, and the same ailment kept him out of last Friday's Twenty20 Emirates All*Stars match in Brisbane.

But the 27-year-old maintained he was always looking to play in the first Test against the Black Caps starting on Thursday.

"Not unless they cut my leg off," Clarke joked when asked if he was ever in any doubt for the game.

"I think coming home I was really run down and I still had the chest infection, I think I was a little bit nervous about exactly what the problem was, but once I got back in Australia I knew I'd be in good hands."

Clarke resumed training with the Australian squad yesterday and maintained that he was now in good health, despite losing a little bit of strength while battling illness.

"I feel good now, I feel fine batting, I had a good hit yesterday, another good hit today, I don't think it's affected my body too much," he added.

Mystery surrounds the make up of Australia's final XI for the first Test and Clarke refused to weigh into the debate over whether national selectors should opt for two all-rounders in Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson and/or consider dropping spinner Jason Krejza.

"I think the first thing is to wait until the rain goes away, take the covers off and see what sort of wicket we've got," he said.

Clarke (right) is set to be fit to act as Ricky Ponting's vice-captain in the first Test against New Zealand

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"I think a few guys have asked (chairman of selectors) Andrew Hilditch what's happening with the team and I think his response at the moment is he's got no idea because we haven't seen the wicket."

Inclement weather meant that the Australians were restricted to a sharp training session at the Gabba's indoor nets.

Violent storms battered Brisbane on Sunday and further rain is predicted all week, but Clarke said his side would not be distracted.

"It probably just affects your preparation more than anything else, I think as a player you've got to prepare for sunshine on Thursday morning," he added.

"Just not being able to train outside today and also a little bit of rain interruption yesterday as well at training, it probably affects us a little bit, but it's the same for both teams so you've just got to make do.

"Fingers crossed we'll turn up tomorrow for training and there'll be a bit of sunshine."

The Australians completed a brisk nets session during which Watson would have worried selectors after he was struck in the chest by paceman Mitchell Johnson.

The all-rounder appeared to be in intense pain after the blow, but gamely returned to the nets after a short intermission.