India in Australia: Michael Clarke Declared Fit for 1st Test, Phillip Hughes Named 13th Man
Michael Clarke had been in doubt for the series opener starting on Tuesday with recurring hamstring problems. Late Phillip Hughes was symbolically named 13th man.
Michael Clarke was Monday passed fit to lead Australia in the emotional opening Test against India in Adelaide, with the late Phillip Hughes symbolically named 13th man. (Australia ready to inflict pain on India: Shane Watson)
Clarke had been in doubt for the series opener starting Tuesday with recurring hamstring problems and in the wake of the heart-wrenching death of his close friend Hughes, which plunged the cricket world into mourning. (India need tough minds in Australia: Geoff Lawson)
He was not at the traditional captain's pre-match media conference at the Adelaide Oval, but fast bowler Mitchell Johnson confirmed the skipper would lead Australia in what will be an emotional day. (Shikhar Dhawan ready for Mitchell Johnson challenge)
Hughes never regained consciousness after being struck by a bouncer during a domestic game in Sydney, and he died in hospital surrounded by family and friends last month. (Pujara keen to learn from failures, ready for Australia)
"It's a huge boost to have Clarkey back in and playing for us," Johnson told reporters. (Australia to wear No. 408 as tribute to Phillip Hughes)
"I think with his captaincy he's shown how strong he's been over the last couple of weeks with the tragedy that we've had. We need him out there in this tough series." (Virat Kohli's ruthlessness impressive: VVS Laxman)
A number of tributes are planned for the Test with the Australian players wearing Hughes' Test cap number 408 on their playing shirts, and black armbands in honour of their former team-mate. (Not the summer to involve in sledging: Allan Border)
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Before play, the Australian and Indian teams will stand before a large 408 painted on the oval's playing surface as they observe a video tribute, narrated by former Australia Test captain and prominent commentator Richie Benaud. (Don't Rush Kohli: Gavaskar)
To honour the young batsman's memory, the Australian team will wear his Test cap number, 408, on their shirts and a range of tributes are being planned around his final score of 63 not out.
Australia's Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove praised the side for holding up under Clarke's "outstanding" leadership. Cosgrove addressed the team here and told the players that "for this Test team, there will always be a 13th man (Hughes) by your side".
Players and fans have been requested to give a 63-second applause instead of a minute's silence observed traditionally in the face of a tragedy.
"With the international season re-commencing on Tuesday, it is appropriate to pause once more and honour a modest hero who thrilled the nation and, in so doing, won an enduring place in our hearts," Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland was quoted as saying by 'The Sydney Morning Herald'.
"We hope that the cricket community can come together to join the Australian and Indian teams in the pre-match tribute. This is an opportunity for those that embraced him so fondly to say goodbye.
"We hope that followers of the game will make their way to Adelaide Oval to pay tribute to Phillip and support the Australian team at a difficult time," he added. Apart from this, Australian actor Jack Thompson will read out a poem -- 63 not out -- in another video tribute to Hughes.
Johnson said the availability of Clarke, who has been widely praised for his leadership during the Hughes crisis, would help the team cope.
"He's a strong leader. He has been an aggressive leader," the fast bowler said.
"He's a huge boost for us in our line-up. I really hope that he can go out there and score a lot of runs for us. We all know that he's really keen to do that. He's a huge part and we're glad that he's back."
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and batsman Shaun Marsh were left out of the starting XI, with Hazlewood to stay in Adelaide and Marsh to return to playing duties with his Western Australian state side.
Australia - Michael Clarke (capt), David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon. Josh Hazlewood (12th), Phillip Hughes (13th)