Clarke in doubt with hip problem

Phil Jaques will join the Australia squad when it leaves for New Zealand on Wednesday as cover for the injured vice-captain Michael Clarke. Clarke has been struggling with a hip problem during the latter stages of the CB Series and the injury appeared to be hampering him at times in the field.

Alex Kountouris, the team physiotherapist, said scans had cleared Clarke of major damage. "He will still travel to New Zealand as originally planned," he said. "If the soreness continues to improve sufficiently he will play a role."

Australia's first game of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy is at Wellington on Friday and the team is under-manned, with both Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist being rested from the tour. Michael Hussey will be captain during the three games and the squad also includes the uncapped Adam Voges.

If Clarke's injury does not improve Jaques, the New South Wales opener, will stay with the side for the week-long trip. The last of Jaques' four one-day internationals was in Kuala Lumpur in September, when he scored 25 and 2.

Australia squad Matthew Hayden, Shane Watson, Phil Jaques, Michael Clarke, Brad Hodge, Michael Hussey (capt), Adam Voges, Brad Haddin (wk), Cameron White, Brad Hogg, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Bracken, Glenn McGrath.

New Zealand squad Stephen Fleming (capt), Shane Bond, James Franklin, Mark Gillespie, Brendon McCullum (wk), Craig McMillan, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Scott Styris, Ross Taylor, Daryl Tuffey, Daniel Vettori, Lou Vincent.