Clark will play the first Test against New Zealand

Melbourne, March 15 (IANS) Australian skipper Ricky  Ponting Sunday said Michael Clarke is a "certain starter" for the first Test against New Zealand in Wellington Friday.

Clarke will have his first net with the Test squad Tuesday after joining his New South Wales teammates Simon Katich, Steve Smith, Phillip Hughes and Marcus North.

His decision to resume his playing career ends a week in the media glare over his decision to return home in the middle of the one-day series to sort out his now failed relationship with Lara Bingle.

"Michael is definitely coming over. He'll get himself prepared for the first Test,"  Ponting was quoted as saying in The Australian.

Australia lost to New Zealand by 51 runs in the fifth and final one-dayer but Ponting's side retained the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy with a three-two series win.

"It has obviously been a tough time for him the last few days at home," Ponting said. "All the guys here (in New Zealand) have given as much support as possible and he was given as much time as he needed to get everything sorted at home."

"He'll come back for us as vice-captain and an experienced player in the Test side. We'll give him as much support as he needs when he joins the group again and make sure he's ready to go."