Clark out of Aussie opener

Clark out, Noffke and Voges called-up to Australia squad.

Last Updated: February 2, 2008 11:13am

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Clark: Out of opening game

Clark: Out of opening game

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Stuart Clark will miss Australia's first match of the Commonwealth Bank triangular series due to family reasons, while skipper Ricky Ponting and opener Matthew Hayden remain injury doubts.

Ashley Noffke and Adam Voges have been added to the Australian squad for their opening match of the triangular series against India in Brisbane on Sunday.

Paceman Clark has withdrawn from the match due to family reasons, but is expected to return for their next game in Sydney next week, according to Cricket Australia.

Skipper Ponting missed the Twenty20 victory over India due to a back injury, which could still rule him out of the opening one-dayer, although he feels he will be fit.

Fitness tests

Hayden has been struggling with a hamstring strain and both men will have late fitness tests to decide if they can play on Sunday.

"I reckon I'm 90 (per cent) plus chance to play," Ponting said at the launch of the Commonwealth Bank Series on Saturday afternoon.

"Both of us will need to have a bit of a run round tomorrow I imagine to prove our fitness.

"The Twenty20 fixture was a really good start for us and we wanted to set the tone for the whole summer with our one-day cricket."

Ponting paid tribute to both Noffke and Voges for their form this year that has propelled them into the international reckoning.

"Voges is on standby if either Matty (Hayden) or I don't come up for the game, we'll have to wait until tomorrow morning (to make a final decision)," Ponting added.

"Noffers has been around the set-up before, and has had to work really hard to get himself back to where he is, his form this year has been unbelievable.

"Voges is the same, he's played a handful of games here and there, I guess because of the strength of our batting he hasn't been able to nail a spot, but his opportunities will come and he's a terrific young bloke with a good head on his shoulders."

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