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A 12-man Australian Test squad, including injured captain Michael Clarke, has been named for the first Test match against India starting in Brisbane on December 4.
After being all but ruled out of the series after re-injuring a troublesome hamstring, Michael Clarke’s chances of playing improved late last week, as it was reported he could potentially recover in time for the opening match.
In light of this, the Aussie captain has been named in the squad and will be given every chance to take the field.
It was hoped that Clarke would be able to take part in the round of Sheffield Shield games taking place this week, however his recovery has forced him to instead aim for the two-day CA XI match against India at Adelaide Oval starting on Friday.
National Selector, Rod Marsh made it clear, “His [Clarke’s] selection for the first Test is very much dependent on him pulling up well from that match.”
Speaking on Clarke, Team Doctor Peter Brukner said: “We still have some time before having to make a final decision on Michael’s fitness.
“As you would expect, he’s desperate to play and we are doing all that we can to ensure he can do just that.
“Over the coming days the plan is to build him up so that he can resume running with the ultimate aim of getting him some high-intensity match practice ahead of the first Test.”
The two big moves made by selectors were to drop Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell from the side that lost to Pakistan, making way for debutant Josh Hazlewood and the return of Ryan Harris.
Commenting on the inclusion of Hazlewood and Harris, Marsh stated: “Josh is a young player of great talent and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity.
“He has impressed in the recent one-day series and we are excited to see what he can produce if given the opportunity in Brisbane.
“Ryan has worked extremely hard to return to elite cricket following his knee surgery. We know what a quality player he is.
“He will play in this upcoming round of Sheffield Shield to get more bowling under his belt but we are all hopeful he will be ready for a big summer of cricket.”
The 12-player Australian squad for the first Test:
Michael Clarke (c)*
Brad Haddin (vc)
Ryan Harris
Josh Hazlewood
Mitchell Johnson
Nathan Lyon
Mitchell Marsh
Chris Rogers
Peter Siddle
Steve Smith
David Warner
Shane Watson
*Notes subject to fitness
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