Clark seizes World Cup chance after Lee ruled out by AFP

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Player:	SR Clark
Event:	ICC World Cup 2006/07

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DateLine: 23rd February 2007

 

Stuart Clark, called up Friday to replace injured fast bowler Brett Lee for next month's World Cup, says the Australian cricket team will be under heavy scrutiny in the Caribbean.

 

The Ashes Test hero was thrust into Australia's 15-man one-day squad after Lee was ruled out of the tournament with an ankle ligament injury.

 

Australia's bowlers are under pressure heading into the World Cup after they were flayed by New Zealand's batsmen in the recent 3-0 Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series loss.

 

Clark, who captured 26 Ashes wickets against England at 17.04, missed the New Zealand series and said there would be extra pressure on the defending champions at the World Cup.

 

"It's a tough gig bowling at the end on small grounds. They can obviously do it better and I'm not saying they can't," Clark said of the demoralising Aussie performances in New Zealand.

 

"It'd be nice to do well but it's a tough game and there's some good competition so I'd hate to make any bold predictions about what's going to happen."

 

Lee sent Clark a message Friday, letting him know that he had been ruled out and sending good luck wishes to his New South Wales state team-mate.

 

"It's really disappointing for Brett, because he's a friend in the team and a friend outside of the team as well," Clark said.

 

"It's hollow, but I'm still excited about going to the World Cup."

 

Inclusion comes as a relief to Clark's supporters, who were outraged at his original exclusion from the 15-man squad, which was mainly because of the number of runs he conceded in one-day matches this season.

 

"The support was very flattering, it was nice. I'm not sure I was all that comfortable with it, it's not my real scene," Clark said.

 

"But for the people that did support me... it'll be nice to go out and... keep them happy.

 

Clark said he would take every opportunity offered in the Caribbean.

 

"I've got better at bowling in the power plays... and that's what I'll be looking to do while I'm over there," he said.

 

"(But) I don't expect any new ball. I don't expect any favours."

 

Clark has taken 35 wickets in 24 one-day internationals, conceding 5.49 runs an over.

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)