Pace bowler Stuart Clark has been called into Australia's Ashes squad as cover for Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee.

McGrath is set to miss the Old Trafford Test on Thursday with torn ankle ligaments, while Lee is in hospital with a suspected knee infection.

Clark is already in England playing county cricket for Middlesex and will join the Aussie squad in Manchester on Tuesday for Thursday's third Test.

The 29-year-old is yet to represent his country in Tests or one-dayers.

The tourists already have fast bowler Shaun Tait in their squad, although he has yet to play in a Test on this tour.

Clark, a right-arm pace bowler, took 40 wickets at 25.98 apiece in last season's first-class Pura Cup competition for New South Wales, including a best of 5-10 against Victoria.

Australian chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said: "We consider Stuart to be a similar style bowler to Glenn McGrath.

"He is already in England and showing some good form, so we have selected him to provide some cover for the current injuries."

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