Clarke hopes Marsh, Bird join Australia in South Africa

Australian captain Michael Clarke hopes Shaun Marsh and Jackson Bird will be fit for the team's tour of South Africa next month.

Speaking at the Sydney Airport Wednesday before flying out for South Africa with the majority of his team, Clark said he wasn't sure if a deadline had been set for the struggling duo, but he was confident that his squad's preparations against the world's top Test team, South Africa, would not be affected.

Marsh has a calf muscle strain and Bird a back injury, both will have to prove their fitness.

"I'd like them to be on this plane now but that's not realistic," Clarke said.

He said Marsh and Bird are an important part of his squad.

"They're two very important players and I'm positive they'll both come up okay. Fingers crossed, they'll both be on a plane sooner rather than later," the captain added.