Warner replaces injured Clarke

Michael Clarke will miss the remainder of the one-day series against South Africa

Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke has been ruled out of the remainder of the one-day series against South Africa with hard-hitting David Warner to come in as his replacement.

Clarke will rest his thumb for two weeks in an attempt to have it right for the series against New Zealand.

"When Michael arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday, it was evident that after one week's rest the pain in his thumb had decreased enough for him to bat at training the following day," said Australia team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris.

"However during last night's match, he experienced pain while batting. It was the first time that he had batted without an injection since suffering the injury during the 3 Mobile Test match at the WACA."

Kountouris conceded that Clarke could have played with the injury, but with the the upcoming Test series in South Africa, resting him was the best course of action.

"While Michael could continue to play with pain-relieving injections, this will ultimately slow his recovery. As a result, it was decided that he will now rest for two weeks, after which point he will be reviewed by Cricket Australia medical staff with the plan for him to be available for the Commonwealth Bank Series against New Zealand," he added.

National selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch was disappointed with the loss of Clarke, but excited at the prospect of Warner making his 50-over debut for Australia.

"This is obviously very disappointing for Michael and his presence will be sorely missed. However it presents an exciting opportunity for David Warner to follow his spectacular Twenty20 debut in the 50-over format for Australia," he said.

The second ODI in the five-match series takes place tomorrow at Bellerive Oval in Tasmania.