Australia skipper Michael Clarke stays guarded

Captain Michael Clarke kept everyone guessing yesterday about the final makeup of the Australia team for the opening Test against England, saying the selectors were still discussing it.

Most interest centres on whether spinner Nathan Lyon will play ahead of bowling allrounder James Faulkner in the final 11.

Michael Clarke

Lyon is favoured given the strong record of spinners at the Gabba, but Clarke said selection debates were still going on. Faulkner was a stand-out for Australia in their last Ashes Test at The Oval in August.

Clarke, who is no longer a selector, said he knew the batting order for the top seven, but would not be disclosing it until just before Thursday’s start of the Gabba Test in Brisbane.

“The selectors are probably talking about it so it’s probably a question for those guys,” Clarke told his Test-eve media conference, where the team is usually announced. “I can’t talk about the selection part of it, because I’m not having that conversation right now with the selectors.u00a0

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!