Australia lose Clark for second Test against India

[Sadaf Gondal]

MOHALI: Australian pace-man Stuart Clark has been ruled out of the second Test against India starting here on Friday after he failed to recover from an elbow injury.

Uncapped Victoria fast bowler Peter Siddle, 23, will replace Clark, who injured his right elbow during the drawn first Test in Bangalore.

"Clark bowled some balls in the nets today but his elbow is still sore," Australian team spokesman Phillip Pope told media on Thursday.

"Siddle will make his debut tomorrow and in the meanwhile we will continue to monitor Clark's progress."

Australian captain Ricky Ponting said he had full faith in Siddle rising to the challenge of bowling to the formidable Indian top order.

"A lot has been made about inexperience in our ranks leading to the first Test," Ponting said.

"Siddle is pretty good and enjoys bowling to quality opposition. He is up to the challenge and likes to keep things simple.

"He is also well experienced in reverse-swinging the ball. We hope he finds his rhythm quickly."

Ponting made light of Clark's absence, who would have been very effective on a Mohali track which usually assists seam bowling.

"Clark is definitely a very good bowler in such conditions. But we have got 11 players now and we have to think about them."

Clark, 33, picked up just one wicket in Bangalore but did a good job of containing the Indian batsmen, giving away 70 runs from 28 miserly overs.

The right-arm pacer has taken 82 wickets from 19 Tests at an average of 22.06.

Injury woes have blighted Australia since the start of the tour when leg-spinner Bryce McGain had to be sent home because of a shoulder injury.

Cameron White was drafted into the squad in McGain's place.

[DaNgErOuS tEaRs]

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