Test return unlikely

Australia paceman Stuart Clark insists he is not ready to call it a day, despite admitting his Test career is most likely over.

The 34-year-old has been continually snubbed by Test selectors in recent months and has now been sidelined with a back injury, meaning a return in the foreseeable future is doubtful.

"It's something I've dealt with (being overlooked)," said Clark.

"I'm not sure where I stand in terms of playing international cricket again, but I do agree it's looking very unlikely.

"I'm very real about the fact I may never play for Australia again but the furthest thing from my mind is retirement.

"I think I've still got something to contribute to NSW cricket and if that's all I do, well, I'll be happy."

Confused
Clark, who has collected 94 wickets in 24 Test matches, is confused as to why he has fallen out of favour with Test selectors after appearing in this year's Ashes series.

"It would be nice to be in the Australian team, but guys there have done a job and deserve their spot," he said.

"It's disappointing not to be in the team but selectors have tough choices sometimes and I'm not always going to agree with what they say.

"If I can come back and bowl well and a spot arises, maybe there's a chance (of a return)."

Clark's back problem has put on hold any chance of a comeback, with the seamer unable to resume light training until he has given it time to heal.

"Nobody's quite sure (what the injury is)," he said.

"It's more how I feel the next few weeks that will determine how quickly I can start playing again.

"I still want to play cricket and still have a lot of cricket to go (so the) sooner I get back out there doing something the better.

"At this stage it's manageable. I want to keep playing cricket for another couple of years and potentially go to England in the off-season and play county cricket as well.

"For the next couple of weeks I'll lay low and take it easy, let it settle down and get back to work after that."