Siddle replaces injured Clark

Peter Siddle will make his Test debut after playing in just 12 first-class matches

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Australia will hand a debut to Peter Siddle after seamer Stuart Clark was ruled out of the second Test against India.

Team spokesman Philip Pope confirmed today an elbow injury will keep Clark out of the Mohali clash.

"Stuart Clark bowled about 30 balls, (but) he still has elbow pain," he said.

"He has been ruled out of this Test and Siddle will make his debut."

Siddle will become Australia’s third debutant in as many Tests after his fellow Victoria team-mate Cameron White got his first call-up in Bangalore while leg-spinner Beau Casson played the final Test of the series against West Indies in Barbados.

Siddle’s call-up caps a quick rise to prominence for the 23-year-old paceman who has played only 12 first-class matches.

He has impressed in that time, taking 43 wickets, although his short career has been blighted by shoulder injuries.

After taking nine wickets in last season’s Sheffield Shield final Siddle underwent surgery on his bowling shoulder with the ailment still affecting his throwing from the outfield.

Despite that, Australia skipper Ricky Ponting expects his newest cap to rise to the challenge of making his debut in India, describing Siddle as a “no-nonsense sort of bowler”.

“He doesn't think too much about the outside distractions," Ponting said.

“I've looked at him pretty closely since I've been here and been very impressed with him. I don't think it will affect him too much.

Stuart Clark discusses his fitness with Australia physio Alex Kontouris today

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“As far as his bowling goes he's ready, he's still a little restricted with his outfield throwing, but what he can give us with the ball is a real bonus for the side.

“He's got good pace, good presence, will keep running in for you.

“A no-nonsense sort of guy and no-nonsense sort of bowler and you can't ask for any more than that.”

India have their own injury problems with captain Anil Kumble admitting he is no certain starter.

Kumble, who turns 38 tomorrow, was troubled by an elbow complaint in the first Test when he when wicketless for just the third time in his 131-Test career.

“It's 24 hours before the match, so we'll just wait and see how it (his elbow) responds,” he said.

"It's a lot better than what it was yesterday."

Kumble added that the loss of Clark from the Australia line-up would be a major blow for the tourists.

“He's definitely a key bowler, if you look back at the last few matches he's played, he's had a wonderful record," he said.