Clarke back as Australia bat

Harare - Michael Clarke returned from a hamstring injury to captain Australia and opted to bat first in their triangular series one-day international against Zimbabwe on Sunday.

Clarke was one of three changes for the Australians after their seven-wicket loss to South Africa in the week.

All-rounder Steve Smith made way for Clarke. Bowlers Ben Cutting and Nathan Lyon came in for Mitchell Johnson and Kane Richardson.

Zimbabwe are still winless from two games in the triangular and need to beat Australia to have a chance of making the September 6 final.

South Africa lead the standings with two wins from two games, followed by Australia with a win and a loss.

Zimbabwe made one change for their second meeting with Australia, picking seamer Donald Tiripano in place of Brian Vitori.

Teams:

Zimbabwe

Tino Mawoyo, Sikandar Raza, Hamilton Masakadza, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Elton Chigumbura (captain), Malcolm Waller, Prosper Utseya, Donald Tiripano, John Nyumbu, Tendai Chatara

Australia

Aaron Finch, Phillip Hughes, Michael Clarke (captain), George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Brad Haddin, James Faulkner, Ben Cutting, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon

Umpires: Aleem Dar, Owen Chirombe
TV umpire: Russell Tiffin
Match referee: Javagal Srinath