Northampton, July 26: Stuart Clark insisted his extra bounce could help Australia in their quest to draw level in the Ashes series during next week’s third Test against England at Edgbaston.

The 33-year-old seamer was overlooked for the first two Tests of the series, including England’s 115-run second Test win at Lord’s.

That match saw Australia left-arm quick Mitchell Johnson struggling for line and length.

And while Clark took two top order wickets against Northamptonshire here on Saturday in the tourists’ lone match between the second and third Tests, Johnson’s seven wicketless overs cost 42 runs.

Now fully fit following an elbow injury, Clark played in both of Australia’s pre-Ashes tour matches against Sussex and the England Lions.

Despite being reduced to 12th man duties in the Ashes so far, he believes he could be the man to help Australia take 20 wickets — something they’ve so far yet to manage in a first-class match this tour.

"I’m older and I get the ball to bounce a little bit more (than the other Australia bowlers), being a little bit taller," Clark said."That’s probably my biggest weapon on these wickets. It can make you a handful."

Australia have also had to do without Brett Lee, their fastest bowler, in the Test series because of a rib injury which is set to keep him out of action at Edgbaston as well. There had been speculation that Clark might have been included in the drawn Ashes opener at Cardiff.

"I was disappointed and I suppose surprised at not being picked," Clark said.

— AFP