Australia call up Jaques as cover for Clarke

MELBOURNE, Feb 13 (Reuters) Australia have called up New South Wales batsman Phil Jaques for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series of one-day matches against New Zealand because of concerns over a hip problem for Michael Clarke.

Clarke, who was named vice captain for the three-match series starting in Wellington on Friday, suffered hip soreness during the tri-series finals against England.

''Scans today have cleared him of anything major and he will still travel to New Zealand as originally planned,'' team physio Alex Kountouris said in a statement.

''If the soreness continues to improve sufficiently he will play a role during the series.'' Mike Hussey was named Australia captain for the series in the absence of Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist, who were rested ahead of the World Cup.

The series opens in Wellington on Friday, followed by matches in Auckland on Sunday and in Hamilton on Feb. 20.

REUTERS SAM PM1203