Clarke back for Windies Tests
Injured Australia captain Michael Clarke will be fit to play the first Test against the West Indies, selectors said on 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 on 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-man 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.
Shane Watson and James Pattinson were both given recalls after their injury-marred Australian summers but batsman Shaun Marsh remains on the outer after 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.
He joins a squad that includes incumbent spinner Nathan Lyon, batting newcomer Peter Forrest and two wicketkeepers, Brad Haddin and Matthew Wade.
Forrest and Wade will make Test debuts if they play.
"The selection committee believes the inclusion of five fast bowlers, two spinners and two wicket-keepers will provide important flexibility," said Inverarity.
He added that it would also provide cover for any injuries that may occur in a country not easily accessible by replacement or standby players.
Teenage paceman Patrick Cummins remains unavailable due to fitness concerns, having missed the entire Australian summer with a foot injury.
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
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