Injured Australia captain Michael Clarke will be fit to play the first Test against the West Indies, selectors said Wednesday as they named a squad that saw the return of spinner Michael Beer.
Clarke was ruled out of the one-day series in the Caribbean that starts Friday after injuring his hamstring in a tri-series clash against Sri Lanka earlier this month.
But after intense treatment, he was included in the 16-strong Test squad.
“It is anticipated Michael Clarke will be fully recovered and take his place as captain for the first Test match in Barbados beginning on Saturday April 7,” said national selector John Inverarity.
The skipper later tweeted: “Rehab going really well, should be over in the West Indies in the coming weeks. Can’t wait to see the boys.” Shane Watson and James Pattinson were both given recalls after their injury-marred Australian summers, but batsman Shaun Marsh remains out of favour after a run of poor form.
The biggest surprise was the return of Beer, who is yet to add to his one Test against England in January last year.
Following on from the Barbados Test, Australia play a second Test at Port of Spain in Trinidad and a third at Roseau, Dominica.
Michael Clarke (capt), Shane Watson (vice-capt), Michael Beer, Ed Cowan, Peter Forrest, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mike Hussey, Nathan Lyon, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner
