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Australian skipper Ricky Ponting says he’s comfortable with the state of the nation’s bowling stocks despite Stuart Clark rejoining Brett Lee on the sidelines.
Clark was ruled out of next month’s three-Test tour of South Africa on Thursday after experiencing swelling on the troublesome elbow that he had surgery on last month.
The complaint had forced the NSW bowler’s withdrawal from the Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania starting Friday – a crucial fixture in his return from injury.
Clark and NSW team physiotherapist Pat Farhart had no concerns the injury was a long-term problem but Andrew Hilditch and his men have taken a “softly, softly” approach to give the 33-year-old the best chance of returning for Australia’s Ashes defence later this year.
Left-arm paceman Mitchell Johnson and Victorian Peter Siddle will again lead the team’s attack in the absence of Lee and Clark in South Africa, leaving Australia short on experience as they attempt to fend off the Proteas to retain the No.1 Test ranking.
“We want Brett and Stuart back as soon as we possibly can,” Ponting said.
“(But) the other guys that we’ve got around – I’m not worried about how they’re going at all.
“With these injuries and guys missing out, it creates great opportunities for the younger guys and I’m sure some of those guys are going to stand up for us.
“The next six one-dayers here and then some Test matches in South Africa, there’s no doubt some of these guys are going to get a bit more exposure and I’m looking forward to seeing it.”
Clark claimed 20 wickets at just over 15 in Australia’s 3-0 Test series win in South Africa three years ago and the Proteas have openly admitted how greatly he has troubled them in the past.
But weighed up against that is the Ashes and Clark is seen as a key part of Australia’s plans for the five-Test series against England starting in July in Cardiff.
The Blues bowler is now targeting his first-class return in the Sheffield Shield match against Queensland at the Gabba on February 26.
Clark is also preparing to step into the subcontinental meat market of the Indian Premier League auction as a way of keeping in shape before the Ashes.
He said the IPL, which runs from April 10 to May 29, could be just the ticket to keep him in good nick before the Ashes tour starts in June.
“I still need to play some cricket and that might be one of the options,” Clark said.
Clark is believed to have a reserved price on him of $US300,000 for next week’s IPL auction.
He skipped the first season of the IPL last year to be with his family for the birth of his second child and complete his finance studies.
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