Jaques included in C-H squad

New South Wales batsman Phil Jaques has been included in the Australian squad that takes on New Zealand in the Chappell-Hadlee series, starting later this week.

The move comes as concerns have been raised about Michael Clarke’s fitness, particularly a hip problem that surfaced towards the end of the Commonwealth Bank series in Australia.

Clarke, who was named vice-captain for the short tour, was cleared of any serious damage and the move to include Jaques was just a precautionary one, said team physio Alex Kountouris.

“Scans have cleared him of anything major and he will still travel as planned,” Kountouris said.

“If the soreness continues to improve he will play a role during the series.”

Australia takes on New Zealand in Wellington on Friday, for the first of the three match one-day series.