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Cricket Australia announced a 14-man squad for the series on Friday, naming Mike Hussey [Images] as Clarke's deputy for the matches to be played in Darwin on Aug.30, Sep.3 and 6.

• Cricket schedule

"While it is disappointing not to have Ricky Ponting available, we are confident continuing his recovery and missing this series will assure Ricky is ready for the demanding cricket schedule ahead for the Australian team," chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said.

Opener Matthew Hayden [Images] has been selected subject to fitness.

Squad - Michael Clarke (captain), Nathan Bracken [Images], Stuart Clark, Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, James Hopes, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee [Images], Shaun Marsh [Images], Andrew Symonds [Images], Shane Watson, Cameron White. (Reporting by Andrew Stevens, editing by N.Ananthanarayanan)