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Michael Clarke must be running by Wednesday

By Allsports.com.gh
Sports News Michael Clarke must be running by Wednesday
NOV 24, 2014 LISTEN

Clarke was named in a 12-man squad for the Test starting December 4 at the Gabba despite being sidelined with a hamstring injury.

But chairman of selectors Rod Marsh said Clarke must resume running by mid-week to be a chance.

If Clarke clears that hurdle, some time at the crease for the Cricket Australia XI against the Indians in Adelaide, starting Friday, is also a must.

"He needs to start running. If he doesn't start running by, I think Wednesday, we can safely assume that he won't be playing the Test match," Marsh told a news conference on Monday.

"My gut feeling all along was that he'd be fit for the Test match. Now he's got to play the two-day game here for him to prove his fitness. I think that's really important.

"With his recent history, we can't have him breaking down in the first innings of a Test match. I think we all realise that."

Marsh was unwilling to say whether selectors had a batsman in mind should Clarke be unable to prove his fitness.

Pacemen Ryan Harris and Josh Hazlewood have been included in the 12-man squad.

Marsh said Hazlewood had proven himself with his performances on both the domestic and international levels.

Hazlewood took 6-50 in the Sheffield Shield final in March, grabbed 14 wickets in this season's domestic 50-over competition - the Matador Cup - and nine more in Australia's successful one-day international series against South Africa.

"We've had our eye on Josh for some time," Marsh said.

"His performance in the Shield final last year was fantastic.

"Early in the summer, his performances in the Matador Cup were brilliant and we saw him close up within the Australian team in the recently concluded one-day series and I think we all just thought this bloke is good."

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