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24.11.2014 Sports News

Michael Clarke named for first Test as Ryan Harris returns

By Allsports.com.gh
Michael Clarke named for first Test as Ryan Harris returns
24.11.2014 LISTEN

Clarke is undergoing daily treatment on the hamstring injury that ruled him out of almost all of Australia's successful one-day international series against South Africa.

Australian selectors hope Clarke is running in the coming days and can play for the Cricket Australia XI in their two-day tour match against the touring Indian side starting Friday.

Team doctor Peter Brukner said Clarke needed match practice before the first Test, which starts at the Gabba on December 4.

"We still have some time before having to make a final decision on Michael's fitness," he said, with Clarke selected subject to 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."

Queensland paceman Harris returns after recovering from a knee injury, having last played a Test against South Africa in March.

Hazlewood, meanwhile, has been rewarded for taking nine wickets in Australia's 4-1 ODI series win over South Africa.

Omitted are left-armer Mitchell Starc and explosive batsman Glenn Maxwell.

National selector Rod Marsh said Hazlewood and Harris deserved their chances.

"Josh is a young player of great talent and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity," Marsh said in a statement.

"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."

Australia squad in full: Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, David Warner, Shane Watson.

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