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24-Aug-2014 06:45:00 GMT
Zimbabwe v Australia, tri-series, Harare

Aussies Sweat Over Clarke for Tri-series Opener

Harare: Australia will make a late decision on captain Michael Clarke's fitness for Monday's triangular series opener against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club on Monday.

Clarke tweaked his left hamstring during Australia's first training session on Friday, but jogged several laps on Saturday to lend hope that he may recover in time.

However with a higher-profile game against South Africa to follow on Wednesday, it is possible that Clarke will be left out of the Zimbabwe clash as a precaution, in which case George Bailey would lead Australia.

Should Clarke be left out on Monday, then top-order batsman Phillip Hughes could take his place after coming into the squad following an injury to Shane Watson.

Although Lehmann was yet to identify his preferred bowling attack for the game, he confirmed that it would be led by left-arm fast bowlers Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc.

After using 16 players during a three-match ODI series against South Africa in Bulawayo this week, Zimbabwe coach Stephen Mangongo believes he will be better placed to field a side that can be competitive.

Zimbabwe's selections at times appeared haphazard and reactionary, with the decision to drop leading batsman Brendan Taylor for the third game the most controversial, but Mangongo defended the home side's decisions in the 3-0 series defeat.

Although Zimbabwe's spinners acquitted themselves admirably against South Africa, young seamers Neville Madziva and Luke Jongwe picked up just one wicket between them.

However with the more experienced Tendai Chatara and Donald Tiripano expected to return to the squad after they were rested for the series against South Africa, the hosts will hope to make greater inroads up front.

Teams from

Zimbabwe: Elton Chigumbura (capt), Brendan Taylor, Hamilton Masakadza, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Sean Williams, Richmond Mutumbami, Luke Jongwe, Prosper Utseya, John Nyumbu, Shingirai Masakadza, Malcolm Waller, Timycen Maruma, Neville Madziva, Sikandar Raza Butt, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Brian Vitori, Tinashe Panyangara, Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chatara.

Australia: Michael Clarke (capt), George Bailey (vc), Ben Cutting, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Phil Hughes, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.

Match facts
Monday August 25, 2014
Start time 0930 local (0730 GMT)


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Series/Tournaments:
Zimbabwe Tri-series 2014
Match:
Zimbabwe vs Australia - 1st Match
Team:
Zimbabwe | Australia
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