Cricket: Clarke named in Aussie test squad

Michael Clarke has been criticised in some circles for leaving midway through a tour. Photo / Getty Images

Uncertainty still surrounds Michael Clarke's possible return to the Australian cricket team's tour of New Zealand despite the vice-captain being named in the test squad today.

Clarke, who is back in Sydney on compassionate leave to be with his fiancee Lara Bingle, has been named in a 14-man squad for the upcoming two-test series against the New Zealanders.

But Cricket Australia's general manager of cricket Michael Brown conceded he still doesn't know when Clarke will return to New Zealand.

"I've talked to him over the last few days and we have a Test tour looming," he said.

"I would hope he's part of that group.

"But unless he's ready to go, there's no point going.

"We'll talk again over the next couple of days and out intention hopefully is to get him back in the side for the Test match."

Clarke returned from the one-day series in New Zealand to be with Bingle who is taking legal action against AFL star Brendan Fevola over the nude photo of her which recently became public.

As vice-captain of the Australian team, Clarke has been criticised in some circles for leaving midway through a tour.

But CA chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch is happy with how it has all been handled.

"From our perspective Michael is taking leave," said Hilditch.

"We're very happy with how that's been handled and I would say his priority is right where it should be at the moment."

Meanwhile, former Test opener Phillip Hughes has been recalled for the two-Test series while his NSW teammate Steven Smith is also part of the squad as is paceman Ryan Harris, who has excelled in the recent one-day matches for Australia.

Under-fire West Australian batsman Marcus North retained his place in the squad despite his poor returns in the recent series against Pakistan.

Australian squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, Phillip Hughes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Clint McKay, Marcus North, Steven Smith, Shane Watson.

- AAP