Clarke passes thumb fitness test, to play in ODI against Proteas.

Byline: ANI

Melbourne, Jan.15 (ANI): Australian batsman Michael Clarke has passed a fitness test and will play against South Africa in Friday's first one-day international match at the MCG.

According to Fox Sports, Clarke passed a fitness test on his injured right thumb at training on Thursday, including a couple of net sessions, after missing the two Twenty20 matches.

"He'll be fine to play. He completed all his training well today, he's still got a fair bit of discomfort in his thumb but he's had since the first Test match (in December) and got through pretty well. So it's a good sign for us that he's fit for selection," said skipper Ricky Ponting.

Australia are yet to finalise their XI and will decide on Friday whether to include specialist spinner Nathan Hauritz or play another all-rounder. Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin will also return after a rest, and Queensland all-rounder Ryan Harris is the only member of the squad ruled out at this point. (ANI)

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