Australia v South Africa: Michael Clarke ruled out of ODI series with hamstring injury

Captain Michael Clarke will miss the rest of Australia's one-day international series against South Africa but could play in the first Test.

The captain suffered a recurrence of his long-standing hamstring injury during Friday's opening match and it was feared the problem would rule him out of the opening Test next month.

But scans on Sunday showed the injury was not as serious as first thought and chairman of selectors Rod Marsh is positive that Clarke will recover more quickly than expected from his third hamstring strain since August.

George Bailey will captain the side for the remaining four one-dayers, while Steve Smith has been called up as a replacement batsman.

Marsh said: "(Clarke) saw a guy this morning and I've never seen a happier doctor on our team. He looked really happy with what's going to happen, so I'm backing Michael Clarke to play."

But he will miss the one-day international series.

Australia coach Darren Lehmann said: "It's never easy when you're losing one of your best players, but that's part and parcel of sport these days.

"Players have got to be adaptable. We'd love him there. But you can (still) win every game you play (without him). With the 11 that go on the field, we have full faith in winning each and every game."

The second ODI between Australia and South Africa is live on Sky Sports 3 on Sunday from 3.15am.