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25 April 2024

Australia rest Watson, Clarke for final one-dayer

Michael Clarke of Australia bats during game six of the one-day international against England at Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday. (GETTY)

Published
By AFP
Australia captain Michael Clarke and all-rounder Shane Watson will miss the final one-day match against England in Perth on Sunday to get some rest before the World Cup, Cricket Australia said on Thursday.         
Australia have already won the seven-match series against England and hold a 5-1 lead after their two wicket win in the sixth game in Sydney on Wednesday.   
All-rounder Steve Smith will also miss the match after he sustained a hip injury in Sydney.           
Adam Voges, another all-rounder, and offspinner Jason Krezja would join the Australia team in Perth for the match and series vice-captain Cameron White would lead the side in Clarke’s absence, chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said.                  
Smith, who bowls leg spin, joins left arm spinner Xavier Doherty (back) and Nathan Hauritz (dislocated shoulder) as the third slow bowler injured during the series against England. Hauritz and Smith were named in Australia’s World Cup squad.               
Australia’s regular captain Ricky Ponting is still recovering from surgery on a broken finger but has begun batting in the nets.               
Batsman Mike Hussey is also recovering from surgery on a hamstring injury, while his replacement for the England series Shaun Marsh also suffered a hamstring problem.