Ricky Ponting says Clarke fit to play Ashes opener
STAFF WRITER 8:50 HRS
Brisbane, Nov 24 (AP) Australia captain Ricky Ponting has declared Michael Clarke fit to start in the Ashes cricket series opener against England after overcoming a persistent back problem.
Clarke batted in a net session Wednesday on the eve of the first test, doing enough to get the backing of his captain, who had previously said the decision would be made on Thursday morning.
“Michael Clarke has got through his work very well in the last couple of days,” Ponting said.
“I’m not sure what the long term diagnosis is but I’m sure he’ll get through this game.”
Usman Khawaja, who was on standby for Clarke, was released from Australia’s squad to play in the domestic Sheffield Shield competition, as was left-arm paceman Doug Bollinger.
Peter Siddle was preferred to Bollinger despite not having played since January due to his own back problem.
Kuldeep saini
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