If career statistics mean anything in modern day cricket, here’s one that doesn’t quite add up: Stuart Clark has played 24 Tests for Australia, claiming 94 wickets at an average of 23.86. Peter Siddle has played in 22 Tests, taken 74 wickets at an average of 32.10.
Debilitating injures have at one time or another sidelined both players from the game.
Here’s where I’m lost. Peter Siddle returned to Test cricket following injury, Stuart Clark was never given the opportunity.
In 2006, Stuart Clark found himself on a plane to South Africa, replacing paceman Glen McGarth who withdrew from the tour for family reasons. Clark made an immediate impact in a match that saw the New South Welshman record 9/89, the third best figures by an Australian on debut. This rich vein of form continued throughout the series as Clark amassed 20 wickets at 15.85, in doing so enabling him to become a permanent fixture in the Australian line-up.
Clark’s showing in South Africa ensured his selection for the tour of Bangladesh; however he failed to replicate the success, taking one wicket in the opening Test. Come the second Test, Clark was home in Australia after selectors opted for South Australian spinner Dan Cullen. Media reports suggested Clark was sent home to attend the birth of his child. Those claims were later quashed by the fast bowler who stated the rest “was not necessary in any case”.
After failure to perform on the sub-continent, Clark maintained his position in the Australian starting line-up and made his Ashes debut at the ‘Gabba in November 2006. A refreshed Clark managed to pick up where he left off in South Africa, claiming 26 wickets for the series at 17 and in doing so ensuring he ended the tour as the leading wicket taker.
With further success to follow, Clark’s career stalled late in 2008. A niggling elbow injury caused him to miss months of action in the lead up to the Ashes series in England. In playing only two Tests against England, Clark’s career came to an abrupt halt. Three years on and at the fifth Ashes Test in 2009 remains as Clark’s last Test match.
For a man labelled the next Glen McGrath, 24 Tests do not serve as justification by any means. The 2010 Ashes series required a player of Clark’s calibre. I can’t help but think our cause would only have be aided with the introduction of the man they call “Sarfraz”.
Stuart Clark to this day reads in my book as one of the unluckiest cricketers this nation has produced along with Stuart McGill (toe to toe with Shane Warne).
The selectors may not be killing this cricket team, but they are handing it the gun, cocked and ready.
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