Clark relieved to be back in Australia squad

Leeds, England:

Stuart Clark said he feared he might never play for Australia again when he was sidelined following elbow surgery.

Clark made his test comeback against England in the fourth Ashes Test on Friday, and took 3-18 in 10 overs to help Australia dismiss England for 102 on the first day.

Clark's last Test match was against New Zealand in November before he injured his elbow. He was the top wicket-taker in the series when Australia thrashed England 5-0 in 2006-07, but was not picked for the first Ashes test at Cardiff last month. He also sat out the next two matches.

"When I was injured there was speculation about whether I would play again or could play again, especially after the guys did so well in South Africa," Clark said. "It now feels really good to be back. I was excited when I found out this morning, and I got a few wickets and we are ahead in the game so it's been a great day.

"It's no secret I've been disappointed not to play."

Clark now has taken 29 wickets against England at an average of just 15. He suggested his simple bowling philosophy is what makes him successful.

"I don't think I do anything out of the ordinary," he said. "I just try and bowl as many balls as I can in the right spots with a little bit of movement, and if they nick them they are out, and if they miss them they get bowled."