Australia captain Michael Clarke named in New South Wales side for Sheffield Shield opener

MICHAEL Clarke will make his long-awaited return from back injury this week when he leads NSW in its Sheffield Shield opener.

Michael Clarke will turn out for NSW against Tasmania this week. Picture: Jane Dempster.

AUSTRALIA captain Michael Clarke will make his long-awaited return from a back injury this week when he leads New South Wales in its Sheffield Shield opener against Tasmania.

Clarke sat out Australia's limited-overs tour of India after aggravating a back injury that has plagued him throughout his career, but has recovered sufficiently to take his place as the Blues' captain at Blacktown, starting on Wednesday.

The announcement comes just hours after Australia team physio Alex Kountouris admitted Clarke is now a Test-by-Test proposition due to the ongoing back issues.

Named alongside Clarke in the NSW line-up was fellow Test batsmen David Warner and Steve Smith, and incumbent Australia spinner Nathan Lyon.

NSW: Michael Clarke (c), Doug Bollinger, Ryan Carters, Trent Copeland, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Henry, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Steve O’Keefe, Steve Smith, Gurinder Sandhu, David Warner