Australia has announced a 12-member squad, featuring Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin, for the first Test against India, starting December 4 at Brisbane Cricket Ground. Clarke, however, is not fully fit and yet to prove his fitness before the series opener.
“We still have some time before having to make a final decision on Michael’s fitness,” Australian team Doctor Peter Brukner said. “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,” he added.
Haddin, meanwhile, is named his deputy for the Brisbane Test, and if Clarke couldn’t make it to the playing XI, he will lead the hosts in the series opener. Clarke is now set to play in the second two-day practice game against India to prove his fitness.
Pacer Josh Hazlewood is rewarded for his fine performance and is named in the first Test squad, while veteran seamer Ryan Harris is also included into the squad. Speedster Mitchell Johnson will return after a break, while Peter Siddle is also included.
“Josh is a young player of great talent and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity,” Chairman of selectors Rod Marsh said. “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 (Harris) has worked extremely hard to return to elite cricket following his knee surgery,” he added. 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: Michael Clarke (c), Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, David Warner and Shane Watson.
