Aquaphobic Clarke to sail for charity

Michael Clarke was man enough to admit that being around water gives him the shivers, but he has decided to face his fears - for a good cause. Clarke is set to join a yachting crew in the Sydney to Gold Coast ocean race in July to raise money for medical equipment to help ill children. Clarke will be part of the Investec Loyal team in the 384 nautical mile race and the fundraising also includes a lunch hosted by the Australia captain on July 24. The aquaphobic Clarke said he was driven by an example within his own family to make a contribution to the cause.

"My old man used to own a fishing charter and I was hopeless," Clarke said. "I'm so nervous around water I check the bath for sharks.

"This is obviously something that's way out of my comfort zone, but it's for such a good cause. There have been three kids close to me who have needed special treatment in the last little while, including my niece who was just born ten weeks premature and is in intensive care at the moment. Anything I can do to raise money for these kids is worth it."

When asked whether he would prefer fighting the ocean to facing Morne Morkel with an injured arm, Clarke didn't need time to think: "Give me Morkel any day," he said.