Australian selectors have included troubled Vice captain Michael Clarke and out of form batsman Marcus North in a 14 man squad for this months two test tour of New Zealand. Clarke has retained his place despite quitting the One Day tour earlier this week to support his fiance Lara Bingle amid a nude photo scandal involving AFL Footballer Brendan Fevola.

Young New South Wales all-rounder Steve Smith, Blues opener Phil Hughes and uncapped Queensland quick Ryan Harris are also in the squad.

The two Test series starts on March the 19th in Wellington.

Media Release issued by Cricket Australia below

Australia squad announced for Test series in New Zealand

Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel (NSP) has today announced the squad for the two-match Test series on Australia’s VB Tour of New Zealand.

The Test squad is:

Ricky Ponting (c) (TAS)
Michael Clarke (vc) (NSW)
Doug Bollinger (NSW)
Brad Haddin (NSW)
Nathan Hauritz (NSW)
Ryan Harris (QLD)
Phillip Hughes (NSW)
Mike Hussey (WA)
Mitchell Johnson (WA)
Simon Katich (NSW)
Clint McKay (VIC)
Marcus North (WA)
Steven Smith (NSW)
Shane Watson (NSW)

Commenting on the Test squad, NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch said:

“The NSP today announced a 14-man squad for the two Test matches on Australia’s VB Tour of New Zealand.

“The core of the squad is the Australian Test team that performed so well during the Australian summer in defeating West Indies and Pakistan.

“Ryan Harris, having overcome injuries at the start of the season, has played really well for Australia in the shorter formats of the game. The NSP are confident that if Ryan gets an opportunity he has the ability to have an impact for Australia in what will be a very hard Test series against New Zealand.

“Phillip Hughes has also been in excellent form at state level and richly deserves his selection on the back of another fantastic season in the Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield.

“Steve Smith has had an excellent Shield season, including a big century against Tasmania recently, and of course has already demonstrated his ability to cope with the pressure of international cricket. He adds great flexibility to the squad with his exciting stroke-play, leg-spin bowling and gifted fielding.”

Australia’s VB Tour of New Zealand schedule

19 - 23 March             First Test v New Zealand                    Basin Reserve, Wellington

27 - 31 March             Second Test v New Zealand              Hamilton