Australia on Tuesday named pace-bowler Stuart Clark as part of its Test squad as fast bowlers Brett Lee and and Glenn McGrath remained doubtful for the third Test due to injury.
Clark, who is currently in England where he plays for Middlesex, will join the Australian squad in Manchester later in the day, Cricket Australia said in a statement.
”We consider Stuart to be a similar-style bowler to Glenn McGrath. He is already in England and showing some good form, so we have selected him to provide some cover for the current injuries,” said chairperson of selectors, Trevor Hohns.
Clark (29) is a right-handed pace bowler who took 40 wickets at 25,98 in the 2004-2005 Australian domestic season. Playing for New South Wales state, he took five for 10 during a match against Victoria.
In his most recent match for Middlesex, he took 5 for 61 against Warwickshire.
Cricket Australia said the condition of McGrath, who tore a ligament in his right ankle on the morning of the second Test at Edgbaston, was being monitored.
Lee, who took a beating to come close to delivering Australia its second victory of the series in that Test, is hospitalised with an infected knee.
The Ashes series is levelled at one match all with the third Test to start on Thursday at Old Trafford in Manchester. – Sapa-AFP