Clark ruled out of South Africa tour

	Australia's bowling coach Troy Cooley will be in charge of a group without Brett Lee or Stuart Clark in South Africa © Getty Images

Australia have suffered a major blow ahead of next month's tour of South Africa with the fast bowler Stuart Clark ruled out due to an ongoing elbow problem. Clark had surgery six weeks ago to remove bone spurs from his right elbow and was set to return for New South Wales in a Sheffield Shield match starting on Friday.

However, after making what seemed to be a successful comeback in grade cricket on the weekend, Clark suffered swelling in the elbow and was forced to pull out of the state match. It means he will have no opportunity to play for New South Wales before the squad for South Africa is chosen and he is now aiming to return via a Sheffield Shield match starting on February 26.

Australia's chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch confirmed Clark would not be considered for the South Africa tour. "Given the schedule of the Australian team over the next 12 months, including an Ashes series," Hilditch said, "the national selection panel will be taking a conservative approach in regards to the management of Stuart's recovery and his return to cricket is prudent.

"Stuart has outlined he hopes to play again for New South Wales at the end of February, a decision that will be made in close consultation with Australian and New South Wales medical staff. Unfortunately due to this Stuart will not be considered for selection in the Test squad for South Africa which will be announced next week and leaves for South Africa on 16 February."

The loss of Clark puts a big dent in Australia's attack, which is already missing Brett Lee due to his foot and ankle surgery, and it is likely Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle and Doug Bollinger will form the basis of the fast-bowling group. It was in South Africa three years ago that Clark made his Test debut and finished the trip as the Player of the Series having collected 20 wickets at 15.85.

He missed the entire home series against South Africa this season, which Australia lost 2-1, and would have added much-needed experience to the side. Clark said he was confident the elbow injury was not a long-term problem and he just needed a little extra time to fully recover.

"It was swollen after the [grade] game but that was just what we thought was going to happen, but the swelling just keeps reoccurring every time that I bowl which happened again on Wednesday," Clark told AAP. "That has them a little concerned, that is not what I need."

Clark said he would consider nominating for the Indian Premier League to help him get some game time under his belt in the lead-up to Australia's Ashes tour. The first Test against South Africa begins in Johannesburg on February 26.