Cricket: Ponting to miss Bangladesh series

Michael Clarke will captain Australia in this month's one-day cricket series against Bangladesh while regular skipper Ricky Ponting recovers from wrist surgery.

Australia named a 14-man squad today with Mike Hussey to serve as Clarke's vice-captain in the three-game series in Darwin on August 30, September 3 and 6.

Clarke, 27, led Australia for the final two one-dayers of the West Indies tour last month after Ponting's early departure home. He is unbeaten as captain, with Australia winning both those two games and Clarke's two Twenty20 internationals in charge.

"While it is disappointing not to have Ricky Ponting available we are confident continuing his recovery and missing this series will assure Ricky is ready for the demanding cricket schedule ahead for the Australian team," chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said today.

"Matthew Hayden has been selected in this side subject to fitness. His progress has been monitored closely by our physiotherapist and doctor and his overall participation in the series will be determined as we get closer to the date."

Australian team physio Alex Kountouris said Ponting was making good progress.

"He is ... on track to be available for upcoming cricket," Kountouris said.

"Matthew Hayden is progressing well with his rehabilitation following an Achilles tendon injury. His availability for the series will be determined over the next two weeks." Selectors reserve the right to add a 15th player to the squad if necessary, Hilditch said.

Australian coach Tim Nielsen said of Hayden: "We are very hopeful of Matthew Hayden being able to rejoin the team and our medical staff will continue to monitor him over the next two weeks." Squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Michael Hussey, Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, James Hopes, David Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Shaun Marsh, Andrew Symonds, Shane Watson, Cameron White.

 

OUTSTREAM