Michael Clarke ruled out of tour game against India, major doubt for first Test

Michael Clarke’s participation in the 1st Test is still extremely doubtful

Australian captain Michael Clarke has been ruled out of the two-day tour game against India starting on Friday, putting his participation in the first Test at Brisbane in major doubt. It was earlier stated by Australian Chief Selector Rod Marsh that he will have to prove his fitness within the next two days for him to be considered for selection for the 1st Test against India, starting on December 4.

However, it now turns out that he won’t be able to play the warm-up match. He, instead, will try and play the grade game for his club this Saturday.

A 12-man squad was announced by the Australian selectors with Clarke as captain subject to fitness earlier today, and Brad Haddin was named as his deputy.

Speaking in Adelaide, Marsh had said: "If he doesn't start running by Wednesday, then I think we can safely assume that he won't be playing the Test match."

"We still have some time before having to make a final decision on Michael's fitness," Peter Brukner, Australian team doctor, 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."

Clarke is an integral member of the Test side, not just because he is the leader but also because he is the best batsman in the team. Marsh, however, is not keen on rushing the New South Welshman back, considering the intense international schedule over the next few months.

"Michael Clarke has been included subject to fitness," Marsh said. "We would have preferred him to play in the round of Sheffield Shield starting tomorrow but unfortunately his condition did not allow him enough time to be ready for that match.

"The aim is for him to play in the two-day CA XI match against India at the Adelaide Oval starting this Friday and his selection for the first Test is very much dependent on him pulling up well from that match. It goes without saying that Michael is a world-class batsman and it is important that he is 100% fit to be able to play in the first Test."

Talking about the selection of Josh Hazlewood, who has had a strong start to the Australian summer, Marsh said: "Josh is a young player of great talent and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity," 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, meanwhile, makes a return to the Australian squad after last playing international cricket in March of this year, against South Africa.

"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."

Test squad Chris Rogers, David Warner, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (capt), Steven Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Brad Haddin (vice-capt, wk), Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood