Clarke out of opening Zim clash

Sydney - Australian captain Michael Clarke was on Monday ruled out of the team's triangular series opener against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club with a hamstring injury.

Clarke tweaked his left hamstring during Australia's first training session on Friday, but jogged several laps on Saturday to lend hope that he may recover in time.

But coach Darren Lehmann said he was not fit enough to take part in Monday's game.

"Michael had a fitness test at training and unfortunately hasn't come through that well enough to be available for selection in game one," he said in a statement.

"He will continue intensive treatment on his hamstring and we'll monitor his progress ahead of game two on Wednesday."

George Bailey will assume the captaincy for the first game of the two-week tri-series that also involves South Africa.