Stuart Clark slams selectors for picking an Australian pacer in Pakistan Test series

"I spat my cornflakes out when I read it."

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Stuart Clark
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Stuart Clark. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Cricket Australia (CA) recently announced the Australian squad for their upcoming Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Peter Siddle, who hasn’t played international cricket for nearly two years, also staked his claim back into the national team. The 33-year-old has played 62 Tests in which he has notched 211 wickets along with eight five-wicket hauls.

His last appearance came on November 2016 in a Test match against South Africa at WACA in Perth. The Victorian is currently playing for Essex in England’s County Championship and has bowled reasonably well. In the meantime, Stuart Clark, the former Australian seamer, reckons that Siddle’s selection attributed to the absence of experienced members in the Test squad.

Chris Tremain is the obvious one

“I spat my cornflakes out when I read it. I played Test cricket with Peter Siddle, that’s how far back he goes. I’m not saying he is not a good bowler but they must have done it for experience, to get an old bloke in there with Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins not being there,” Clark was quoted as saying in Sky Sports Radio.

The Sydney-born cricketer believes that 27-year-old seamer Chris Tremain should have been drafted in place of Siddle. “Chris Tremain is the obvious one. I’ve read we have gone with character over ability and all this stuff. Well, what’s wrong with Tremain’s character? He seems fine to me,” he remarked.

However, Clark backed the selectors for going in with a heavy pace attack rather than packing the lineup with tweakers. Along with Siddle, Australia have the likes of Mitchell Starc, Michael Neser and Mitchell Marsh in the fast bowling department.

“I would be nervous doing that. For years and years, we have tried to beat them with spin, they are too good. If we’ve got the quick bowlers there then try and get in there and have a crack at them,” the 42-year-old added.

The first Test starts on October 7 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium followed by the second Test at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on October 16. Thereafter, the teams are scheduled to lock horns in three T20Is.

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