Australia's desperate search for fast-bowling cover for Glenn McGrath has led to a call-up for the uncapped New South Wales and Middlesex paceman Stuart Clark.

With squad bowlers Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz looking increasingly vulnerable there was little option for the selectors to look elsewhere, much as they hate to be seen to have erred in their original choices.

Clark has, in fact, already been used as cover once in this series, just before the 3rd Test at Old Trafford.

On that occasion McGrath played and ended the game starring with the bat as he and Brett Lee - another injury doubt at the time - held out for four thrilling overs on the final evening as Australia survived for a desperate draw.

In the following game at Trent Bridge McGrath didn't make the starting XI having suffered a recurrence of an existing elbow injury, and although Gillespie was also dropped after a string of hapless performances Shaun Tait was included for his debut Test.

This time, though, Australia don't have any room for manoeuvre; they must win at The Oval, and the support bowling for Lee, Shane Warne and McGrath - if he is fit to play - will be critical.

"With a decision yet to be made about McGrath's availability for the Test we want to make sure that we have some cover and added flexibility heading into this match," Trevor Hohns, the chairman of selectors, said.

"We have identified Stuart as a similar style bowler to Glenn, and given he has been playing some solid cricket in England, it was felt that he was the most suitable inclusion."

6 Sep, 2005