'We want Michael Clarke out there leading our team in Adelaide'

Vice-captain Brad Haddin is hopeful of Michael Clarke leading the Australian outfit in the first Test against India starting December 9 after the hamstrung skipper reported to training at the Adelaide Oval.

"Michael had a good hit today. He is going to back up this afternoon, and be involved in our session. So I haven't thought about it (captaincy) to be honest," said Haddin at the team's training session. 

"Michael's been strong for the team for a long time. I think he's a tremendous captain and we want our captain out there playing.

"All signs are that he's going in the right direction, and like everyone else, we want Michael out there leading our team in the first hour of play here in Adelaide," he added. 

Clarke had put in some work at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday before joining the team here and Haddin is not thinking about captaincy at the moment. 

"No, I haven't," said Haddin when asked if he was thinking about having to lead the team in Clarke's absence on Tuesday.

Talking about the Test series, with the first Test to be played at the drier Adelaide Oval instead of the zippy Gabba in Brisbane, he said, "It's obviously a different venue and you have different plans to get batsmen out. But, it's a good cricket wicket here.

"I don't think you need to read too much into what venue we're playing at. It's about doing our job and making sure we’re ready for the conditions here." 

"I think once we are out there, we will be there to play our style of cricket," he replied, when asked if the Australian team will still be aggressive and use bouncers. 

"I don't think we have to complicate things. It's about getting out there and playing the game of cricket, executing our skills under pressure. We will play the brand of cricket we have always played." 

Finally, when asked if he had had any contact from the Indian players, Haddin replied in the negative.

Image: Michael Clarke reacts while catching a ball during an Australian nets session at Adelaide Oval.

Photo: Michael Dodge/Getty Images