Captain Michael Clarke has been ruled out of Australia’s one-day cricket tour to India because of his back injury problems.
George Bailey will take over as skipper with South Australian batsman Callum Ferguson called up to replace Clarke in the squad which departs on Saturday.
Selectors would have been reluctant to take any risks with Clarke given his long history of lower back injuries which flared again during the recent tour to England, and given the big home summer coming up including the return Ashes series.
“Michael was very keen to captain the ODI team to India but unfortunately he hasn’t progressed enough to be available for selection,” said national selector John Inverarity.
Team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said Clarke’s injury, which troubled him during the ODI series in England, had been slow to improve with his regular treatment regime.
“Michael will require a more extensive rehabilitation period before returning to competitive cricket, Kountouris said.
Ferguson’s form in 50-over cricket last summer earned him his recall to the national set-up.
He scored 271 runs at an average of 45 and a strike rate of 70 in the Ryobi Cup and, in three matches for Australia A against the England Lions in February scoring 149 runs at 49.66 with a strike rate of 91.
Veteran wicketkeeper Brad Haddin will take over as vice-captain following Bailey’s promotion to leader for the tour.
The selectors also announced that highly promising NSW batsman Nic Maddinson was a late addition to the squad for the one-off T20 match against India on the tour.
“Nic showed some sparkling form on Australia A tours during the winter,” said Inverarity.
“He will be in strong contention to open the batting with Aaron Finch in this game.”
ODI squad to play India: George Bailey (capt), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Callum Ferguson, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Moises Henriques, Phil Hughes, Mitchell Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, Adam Voges, Shane Watson.
Australian T20 squad to play India: George Bailey (capt), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Johnson, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, Adam Voges, Shane Watson.
