Michael Clarke goes rallying

Australia's captain Michael Clarke, known for his cover drive, is going to try driving of a different kind when he makes an appearance in next week's International Rally of Queensland. Clarke will compete in two stages of the race between May 25 and 27. The rally has attracted some of the biggest names in the sport, including former world rally championship stars Alister McRae and Chris Atkinson. Clarke will drive alongside Mark Stacey, who has competed at international level for two decades, and said he was looking forward to racing against the best.

"It's pretty well known that I have a passion for driving, but a part of me has always wondered what it would be like to go up against the best in the business," Clarke said. "There's no doubt that rally driving is one of the most exhilarating sports around and, as someone who puts my heart into everything I do, this is a great opportunity to mix it with some of the world's best drivers."