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Australia's Michael Clarke - Source: Reuters -
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Uncertainty still surrounds Michael Clarke's possible return to
the Australian cricket team's tour of New Zealand despite the
vice-captain being named in the Test squad on Wednesday.
Clarke, who is back in Sydney on compassionate leave to be with his
fiancee Lara Bingle, has been named in a 14-man squad for the
upcoming two-Test series against the Kiwis.
But Cricket Australia's general manager of cricket Michael Brown
conceded he still doesn't know when Clarke will return to New
Zealand.
"I've talked to him over the last few days and we have a Test tour
looming," he said.
"I would hope he's part of that group.
"But unless he's ready to go, there's no point going.
"We'll talk again over the next couple of days and out intention
hopefully is to get him back in the side for the Test match."
Clarke returned from the one-day series in New Zealand to be with
Bingle who is taking legal action against AFL star Brendan Fevola
over the nude photo of her which recently became public.
As vice-captain of the Australian team, Clarke has been criticised
in some circles for leaving midway through a tour.
But CA chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch is happy with how it
has all been handled.
"From our perspective Michael is taking leave," said
Hilditch.
"We're very happy with how that's been handled and I would say his
priority is right where it should be at the moment."
Meanwhile, former Test opener Phillip Hughes has been recalled for
the two-Test series while his NSW teammate Steven Smith is also
part of the squad as is paceman Ryan Harris, who has excelled in
the recent one-day matches for Australia.
Under-fire West Australian batsman Marcus North retained his place
in the squad despite his poor returns in the recent series against
Pakistan.
Squad:
Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger,
Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, Phillip Hughes, Mike
Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Clint McKay, Marcus North,
Steven Smith, Shane Watson.
