Australia selector backs Michael Clarke to be fit for first Test

Sydney: Australia`s chief of selectors Rod Marsh has backed captain Michael Clarke to recover from a hamstring strain and be fit for the first test against India next month.

Clarke was ruled out of the rest of Australia`s one-day international series with South Africa after re-aggravating the problematic left hamstring in the first match in Perth on Friday.

Clarke had scans on Saturday but needed to see specialists for a further prognosis.

Marsh said Clarke had been given a positive assessment initially.

"I`ll back Michael Clarke in there (for the first test)," Marsh told host broadcaster Channel Nine during coverage of the second ODI against South Africa on Sunday.

"I`ve never seen a happier doctor ... He looked really happy with what happened."

Australia play the first test against India in Brisbane from Dec. 4 before further matches in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.