Zimbabwe ask Australia to bat

Harare - Zimbabwe won the toss and sent Australia in to bat in the opening game of the triangular one-day international series at Harare Sports Club on Monday.

Australia captain Michael Clarke is out with a hamstring injury leaving George Bailey to lead the Aussies in their first game in Zimbabwe in 10 years.

Australia left out in-form batsman Phil Hughes and opted for all-rounders Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh. Offspinner Nathan Lyon will also play on the traditionally slow Harare pitch.

Zimbabwe recalled batsmen Brendan Taylor and Tino Mawoyo, and Tendai Chatara was brought in to bolster the bowling following a 3-0 ODI series loss at home to South Africa last week.

South Africa is the other team in the triangular series.