India in Australia: Shaun Marsh Into Test Side as Cover for Michael Clarke
Recovering from a hamstring and back injury, Michael Clarke inclusion for the 1st Test against India continues to be under cloud. Naming Shaun Marsh will give Australia a batting option.
Shaun Marsh has been called into Australia's squad for the first test against India as cover for injured captain Michael Clarke. (Related: India vs Cricket Australia XI Tour match)
Marsh will join the 12-man squad in Adelaide, where the rescheduled four-test series starts next Tuesday.
Clarke has experienced recent hamstring and back issues.
The Australian team is regrouping after Wednesday's funeral for batsman Phillip Hughes, who died last Thursday after being hit in the head by a delivery two days earlier at the Sydney Cricket Ground. (Related: A 63-bat salute for Hughes | Clarke's emotional final tribute)
Hughes and Marsh were the leading candidates to replace Clarke when the captain was set to be ruled out of the original date for the first test this week in Brisbane.
Clarke did not fly to Adelaide aboard a charter flight on Thursday with the rest of the team from Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, near where Hughes' funeral was held.
Clarke was also not immediately scheduled to give any media conferences in Adelaide, adding speculation that he may not play the opener.
Some of the Australian players could also withdraw from the Adelaide test as they continue to recover emotionally from Hughes' death.