Clarke called up as cover

Michael Clarke has been added to the Australian squad for the first Ashes Test in Brisbane as a precaution after an injury to all-rounder Shane Watson.

Watson injured his hamstring in the Ford Ranger Cup match between the Bulls and Warriors in Perth on Friday and is in serious doubt for the opening Ashes Test.

He will be assessed by Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris on his arrival in Brisbane on Saturday afternoon with a statement on detailed medical tests to be issued on Sunday morning at the earliest.

Clarke, who made two half centuries against England in the three-day tour match at the SCG last weekend, got the nod over Queensland all-rounder Andrew Symonds for the position and will join the Australian squad in Brisbane after he plays in the Ford Ranger Cup game for NSW against Tasmania on Sunday.

MAJOR PARTNER

ANZ

BROADCAST PARTNERS

TVNZ SENZ

COMMERCIAL PARTNERS

Asahi CCC Dream11 Dulux Ford Gillette GJ Gardner KFC Life Direct Pals Powerade Spark Spark