Clarke, Rogers out cheaply in tour game

Opener Chris Rogers’ preparations for Wednesday’s first Test in Dubai haven’t gone to plan with the opener failing twice in the four-day game against Pakistan A.

Skipper Michael Clarke, who was rested from the three-match one-day series against Pakistan because of a hamstring injury, is also heading to Dubai short of time in the middle.

Chasing 339 to win on day four against Pakistan A in Sharjah, Australia went to lunch at 3-110 on Saturday.

Back-up opener Phil Hughes, whose chances of a Test recall depend on David Warner’s ability to overcome a groin strain in the next few days, is 48 not out including six fours and a six off 85 balls.

Warner broke down in Sunday’s third one-dayer against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi but appears on track to play in the first Test and was walking laps of the ground again on Saturday.

Uncapped allrounder Mitchell Marsh, who claimed 0-18 off seven overs in Pakistan A’s second innings in his return to action following last month’s hamstring strain, is unbeaten on 35 and has also struck six fours and a six.

Rogers was run out for three, having made a first-ball duck in the first innings.

Clarke hit one boundary in his five before he was bowled by left-arm quick Rahat Ali at 2-9.

Allrounder Glenn Maxwell was promoted to No.4 for Australia’s second innings after not batting in the first innings of the match in which Australia can use up to 15 players.

Maxwell failed to push his case for Test selection and was caught behind for 18 as Pakistan A’s pace bowlers claimed a third top-order wicket.

Test offspinner Nathan Lyon claimed 2-49 off 17 overs on Friday in Pakistan A’s second innings of 3-306 from their allotted 90 overs, giving the home side a lead of 338.

The 33-Test veteran Lyon says if Australia choose to play two spinners in Dubai on what is expected to be a turning deck, he’ll be able to make good use of his rapport with NSW teammate Steve O’Keefe.

O’Keefe’s chances of a Test debut in Dubai firmed following his 3-76 on Wednesday in Pakistan A’s first innings of 8-305.

Clarke’s side replied with 8-273 on Thursday including Test No.3 Alex Doolan’s 104.

“Steve O’Keefe is really putting his hand up for selection and, if the selectors go for two spinners, ‘SOK’ and I have experience at NSW,” Lyon told reporters.

“We’ve won the Shield together.”

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