Clarke cleared for one-day duty

Michael Clarke proved he has recovered from a thumb injury ahead of the first one-day clash

Australia batsman Michael Clarke has been passed fit to play in the opening match of the Commonwealth Bank Series against South Africa in Melbourne tomorrow.

Twenty20 sensation David Warner, who was on standby due to Clarke’s thumb injury, has been released from the squad and is expected to return to Sydney.

Queensland quick Ryan Harris has also been left out of the 12-man squad for the match, with the make-up of the team to be determined by the conditions, according to skipper Ricky Ponting.

Clarke underwent a half-hour fitness test at the MCG today before joining his team-mates in the nets.

“He'll be fine to play," said Ponting. "He's completed all his training well today.

“He's still got a bit of discomfort in his thumb but he's had that from the start of the Perth Test match and got through really well. It's good signs for us that he's fit for selection.”

Australia lost the first two Tests - and the Test series - to South Africa, but won the final Test and both Twenty20 internationals leading into the one-day series.

Ponting claimed he could feel the momentum turning Australia’s way, and he does not expect his side to have too much trouble adjusting to 50-over cricket on the back of the Twenty20 encounters.

"The energy and enthusiasm of some of the young guys around out squad has been terrific," he added.

"We've got a very flexible squad, a lot of versatility around our group at the moment, which is a massive bonus for 50-over cricket.

"Everything's heading in the right direction as far as our 50-over cricket is concerned."