Quantcast

Captain Clarke to play first Test

Phillip Hughes named 13th man for series opener at the Adelaide Oval

Australia captain Michael Clarke has been declared fit to play the first Test against India.

Clarke has overcome a hamstring injury and will lead the Australians in the series opener at Adelaide Oval.

Australia have named their team, with paceman Josh Hazlewood to be 12th man and Shaun Marsh overlooked.

That same 12 will be the squad for the second Test in Brisbane, beginning December 17, while Shaun Marsh will fly back to Western Australia to take his place for the Warriors in their Bupa Sheffield Shield match against Victoria, beginning tomorrow. 

In a touching gesture, the late Phillip Hughes has been named Australia's '13th man'.

The inclusion of Clarke was a welcome boost for the hosts, Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson said.

"It's a huge boost to have him back in and playing for us and with his captaincy," Johnson told reporters on Monday.

"And it shows how strong he has been over the last couple of weeks with the tragedy we have had.

"He is a strong leader and has always been an aggressive leader ... he just has something about him when he's out there as captain."

Clarke has been praised for his handling of the Hughes tragedy, and Johnson said Hughes's passing remained in the forefront of the minds of players.

"It's going to be an emotional morning ... for me going out there bowling, the first spell might be the most difficult," Johnson said.

But the express quick said he would have no hesitation in bouncing Indian batsmen.

"We have got to play the way we have been playing and that has been aggressive ... if that is bowling the short ball like we have been, then that will be what we do," Johnson said.

"The vibe is good, everyone is keen to get out there and play some cricket now.

"We have got to wait and see how we feel when we get out there, everybody will feel a little bit different."

Johnson said he was uncertain how he would respond if one of his deliveries struck a batsman in the head.

"It might be different this time but I don't know how I'm going to feel," he said.

Johnson said Hughes had been named as Australia's 13th man for the Adelaide Test.

Australian players will also wear the number 408 - Hughes' Test number - on their shirts.

"It's really special, to make his family and Phil very proud. I'm certainly proud to be able to wear that number," Johnson said.

Image Id: ~/media/9FAF19434BC8403EAF64B19637D845CF

Australia XI: Chris Rogers, David Warner, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (c), Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, Nathan Lyon. Josh Hazlewood (12th), Phillip Hughes (13th).