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RSSClarke Back in Squad
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The Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke, is back in the squad. Clarke, who was on treatment for injury on his right thumb, was found fit for the one day series against South Africa. The series will begin on Friday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Clarke on Thursday passed a fitness test at training. The test included a couple of net sessions, after missing the two Twenty20 matches. Captain Ricky Ponting said that Clarke is fit enough to deliver his best. Clarke completed his training well. He even though still has a bit of discomfort in his thumb, is expected to be perfect by Friday. The come back of Clarke is seen by Ponting as a positive sign. The
skipper hopes that Clarke will bring good time to the team.
The inclusion of Clarke in to the team means that rookie David Warner will have to sit outside. Or else, he can now play for New South Wales (NSW) against Victoria in Saturday night’s Twenty20 match in Sydney. Australia is yet to finalise their last eleven and will decide Friday whether to include specialist spinner Nathan Hauritz or play an all-rounder.
It is expected that the wicket-keeper Brad Haddin will also return to the team. He is on rest now. But the Queensland all-rounder Ryan Harris is still on doubts. He is the only member of the squad ruled out at this point. The match is crucial for Aussies and especially for captain Ricky Ponting. If he fails to bring luck to his side, he will be facing gunfire from both media and top bosses. Australia has failed to grab the test series which has evoked much wild reaction among the fans.
Australia (from): Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke (vice-captain), Nathan Bracken, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Shaun Marsh, Shaun Tait, Cameron White.
