Injured Clarke doubtful for Mohali Test

Mohali, Oct 15 (IANS) Doubts loomed over the availability of Australian pace bowler Stuart Clarke for the second Test starting Friday as he is suffering from an inflamed elbow joint.

Clarke, who bowled restricted spells in the Bangalore Test, was rested from the Australian team's training Wednesday and will be given an extra day to recover for the match.

'He's not going to bowl at training tomorrow, just so we can maximise his recovery and give him the best chance to be able to play Friday,' team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said Wednesday.

'We'll see how he pulls up and if he feels ok we will play him.'

If Clarke sits out, uncapped Victorian paceman Peter Siddle, who took 2-64 in the Hyderabad tour match, should be a possible replacement. The other back-up the visitors have is in quick left-armer Doug Bollinger, who is yet to make his debut.