Crook Clarke out of Twenty20
November 13, 2008
AUSTRALIA vice-captain Michael Clarke has been ruled out of Friday night's Twenty20 exhibition match at the Gabba due to illness.
Clarke was to lead Australia in skipper Ricky Ponting's absence but hasn't recovered from a virus which laid him low during the recent fourth Test in India.
Australian team doctor Trefor James said the batsman's condition was improving but he was still not well enough to play against the Adam Gilchrist-led All Stars in Brisbane.
Mike Hussey takes over as captain from Clarke who was still named in Australia's 13-man Test squad to play New Zealand next week.
"His condition will continue to be monitored and we are confident he will recover in time to be available for selection in the first Test match against New Zealand at the Gabba next week," Dr James said.
Tasmania finger spinner Xavier Doherty replaces Clarke in the Australia side for the Twenty20 friendly where he'll make his national debut after a successful Australia A tour of India and a stand-out domestic Twenty20 campaign last season.
"It is really surprising but I am very excited by the opportunity I have been given," Doherty said.
"Last night was a bit like Christmas Eve, I had a lot of trouble sleeping and tomorrow should be great."
The Australian Cricket Association-backed All Stars also have been forced to make a late change with Queenslander Ashley Noffke, who is struggling with a back injury, replaced by Victorian all-rounder Andrew McDonald.
AAP
