Everyone has to perform now: Clarke

Melbourne: Australian captain Michael Clarke on Wednesday said that every member of his team has to deliver in the Test series against India as opener Ed Cowan's inclusion at the expense of an experienced Phil Hughes has made it clear that places cannot be taken for granted.

Cowan is set for a Test debut on Monday, when Australia face India in the four-match series opener, after averaging 96 in the past eight games he has played.

Cowan comes into the team replacing Hughes, who has been struggling for quite a few months now.

Michael Clarke said that every member of his team has to deliver in the Test series against India.

"Ed has been a consistent performer and will be looking forward to an opportunity. We have to work out what the best combination is," Clarke told reporters here.

"Everyone has to perform in the team now," he said.

Clarke hoped that allrounder Shane Watson, whose hamstring injury has ruled him out of the opening Test, would be fit for the match in Sydney.

"Hopefully he will do some batting during the Boxing Day Test for Sydney," he said.

Also showing improvement during the batting camp here was Shaun Marsh.

"We left and he was still fielding. He looked good batting but we will have to see for the Test," he said.

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