Some advice from the desk of Clark

Stuart Clark is obviously disappointed after being excluded from Australia's one-day squad for the coming seven-match one-day series.

Stuart Clark is obviously disappointed after being excluded from Australia's one-day squad for the coming seven-match one-day series. But that hasn't stopped him offering advice to the Australian quickies, especially someone like Doug Bollinger who doesn't have much experience of bowling in sub-continental conditions.

Stuart Clark. PIC/GETTY IMAGES

"On sub-continental pitches, it is also important to have variations," Clark, who has played a key role in New South Wales Blues' run to the final in the inaugural Champions League Twenty20, told MiD DAY.

Lee example
Clark felt his NSW teammate Brett Lee, who has a wealth of experience of playing in India, uses the conditions excellently. "Look at Lee, he uses the slower ball to good effect here," Clark said. "So, batsmen are a bit reluctant to take a lot of chances against him."

And how could Bollinger succeed, if given a chance in India? "He bowls at a lively pace but it is important to bowl a few dot balls and build pressure."

Though Clark hasn't played much international cricket in India (2 Tests, 3 ODIs and 1 T20I), the 34-year-old has a strong Indian connection.

"My parents (Bruce, from Chennai) and Mary (from Kolar Gold Fields, Karnataka) were born in India during the second World War.

They had English passports so they moved to England after spending some 20 years in India and then settled in Australia. Those were tough times.

"The biggest thing I have learnt from them is, in life or in cricket, don't take anything for granted," Clark said.
Naturally, touring India is a "sort of homecoming" for him.

"I love coming to India. I enjoy the culture, people and food here. I try to stay on here as much I can when I come to India. Since my mom and dad are from here, I feel coming to India is sort of a homecoming."

If Clark can help NSW Blues win tonight's Champions League T20 final, his favourite touring destination will become even more special for him.