Clarke to lead Australia for tri-series in Zimbabwe

Michael Clarke will lead Australia on its first cricket tour to Zimbabwe in a decade for an international tri-series also involving South Africa starting later this month.

The 14-man limited-overs squad is close to full strength, with Clarke, Vice-captain George Bailey, veteran wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, paceman Mitchell Johnson and all-rounder Shane Watson all included. Aggressive opener David Warner has been rested for the series.

Spinner Nathan Lyon has been recalled to the ODI squad for the first time since 2012, while fast bowlers Ben Cutting and Kane Richardson forced their way into the team on the basis of performances for Australia A.

Phil Hughes didn’t make the squad despite his recent double-century for Australia A.