Warner Replaces Clarke In Australia Squad

Warner Replaces Clarke In Australia Squad

Michael Clarke will now rest his thumb in a bid to return against New Zealand.

©REUTERS/Adnan Abidi (INDIA) Picture Supplied by Action Images

The rise and rise of left-handed opener David Warner has continued with the news that he is to replace Michael Clarke in Australia's One Day squad for the rest of the CB Series against South Africa.

Clarke is to rest his injured thumb and attempt to regain full fitness for the series against New Zealand in February.

Warner, who hammered 89 in 43 balls in the first Twenty20 International against the Proteas in Melbourne, is likely to be given a start in Hobart alongside Shaun Marsh at the top of the order as losing the experience of Clarke in the middle order means Mike Hussey is likely to drop back down to his usual position of number five.

Australia's physio Alex Kountoris issued the following update:

"When Michael arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday, it was evident that after one week's rest the pain in his thumb had decreased enough for him to bat at training the following day.
 
"However during last night's match, he experienced pain while batting. It was the first time that he had batted without an injection since suffering the injury during the 3 Mobile Test match at the WACA.

"While Michael could continue to play with pain-relieving injections, this will ultimately slow his recovery. As a result, it was decided that he will now rest for two weeks, after which point he will be reviewed by Cricket Australia medical staff with the plan for him to be available for the Commonwealth Bank Series against New Zealand."

"With an important Test series against South Africa starting in four weeks, this is the best course of action."

"This is obviously very disappointing for Michael and his presence will be sorely missed," chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch added. "However it presents an exciting opportunity for David Warner to follow his spectacular Twenty20 debut in the 50-over format
for Australia."

© Cricket World 2009