Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke has declared himself a certain starter for next week's first Test against the West Indies.

His suspect back came through a solid two-day workload in NSW's Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania.

Clarke spent a fair amount of the game on the field, taking 232 minutes to compile a first-innings century then fielding for 58 overs.

The top-order batsman will continue to receive daily physio treatment in the lead-up to the first Test in Brisbane and is convinced his troublesome back can handle five days of cricket.

Clarke is also willing to bowl in the Test match if required, believing he must be ready to go in all areas of the game.

The Australian team will be announced on Thursday afternoon and Clarke said: "I'm obviously more confident now in just being able to bat for that amount of time and being able to wake up feeling pretty good is a positive.

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"I wouldn't play (if I could not contribute).

"I need to be able to give the team 100% because if I can't there is someone else there that can and will perform better than me.

"I wouldn't dare go into a Test match not knowing if I could give 100% in all areas.

"I believe I have to be 100% in all facets to take the field for my country next week."

After missing out in NSW's Ford Ranger Cup loss to Tasmania on Sunday, Clarke was determined to occupy the crease for as long as possible in the Shield game.

Having done that, he is now ready to tackle the Windies.

"It's good to spend some time in the middle, definitely," he said.

"I think I needed the hit. I didn't feel that comfortable in the one-dayer the other day - I felt very scratchy - so it was good to spend some time in the middle.

"The confidence of getting back into the game and scoring some runs and having that 60 overs out in the field has given me a lot of confidence.

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"I think I'm feeling more comfortable every day."

Meanwhile, Clarke's NSW teammate Stuart Clark gives himself only a 50-50 chance of forcing his way into the Test team.

With all four national selectors watching his every move from the stand behind him, Clark bowled well to take 28 for two on a dead track.

But it is unlikely to push him past Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson or Ben Hilfenhaus in the Test XI.

"I went down the field and they (the selectors) were sitting out the front," Clark said. "They all gave me a wave so at least they know who I am.

"I know them all pretty well. They've got a tough job to do. I hope my name is in there tomorrow but we'll have to wait and see."

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