Melbourne, March 10: Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke, who has returned home from New Zealand for personal reasons, was today included into the 14-member squad for the two-match Test series against the black caps commencing from March 19.
Australia’s National Selection Panel (NSP), under the chairmanship of Andrew Hilditch met today to pick the squad, to be led by Ricky Ponting.
Clarke earlier cited “personal reasons” for quitting midway through the ongoing ODI series and left the team hotel on Monday.
All-rounder Ryan Harris, who has recovered from an injury also returned to the Test squad, which also has left-hand opening batsman Phillip Hughes, a Cricket Australia release said.
Meanwhile, young all-rounder Steven Smith got the reward of his impressive performance in Australian domestic circuit as the 20-year-old was also included into the squad.
–PTI