Bollinger returns as Clark is dumped 

Source: ReutersAustralia's Doug Bollinger

Australia have dumped paceman Stuart Clark and recalled fiery left-armer Doug Bollinger for next week's first Test against West Indies in Brisbane.

Selection boss Andrew Hilditch announced the 12-man squad at a news conference at the SCG on Thursday and denied age was an issue with Clark, who at 34 is six years older than his NSW team-mate Bollinger.

Bollinger, whose only Test was against South Africa at the SCG 10 months ago, has been in good form with nine wickets at 19.33 in Australia's one-day international series in India which was completed earlier this month.

Hilditch said the selection panel would monitor Clark's form in the Sheffield Shield competition but admitted every decision taken over the next 12 months was part of the build-up towards the 2010-11 Ashes series in Australia.

Bollinger only change

Bollinger's inclusion for Clark is the only change to the 12-man squad from Australia's last Test against England at The Oval in August.

"Stuart is extremely unlucky to miss selection but we have been very impressed with Doug's form in the recent ODI series in India and feel he deserves this opportunity in the Australian squad," Hilditch said on Thursday.

"Losing the Ashes was obviously extremely disappointing but the nucleus of the side performed very well individually.

"We're confident this young side will continue to develop as we move into this exciting Test series at home but also continue to prepare for an Ashes series, which is now only 12 months away."

Young opener Phillip Hughes, who was dropped after two Tests of the 2009 Ashes series and replaced at the top of the order by all-rounder Shane Watson, has failed to force his way back into the side.

Hilditch said he expected Watson to get through 10 or 15 overs of medium pace per day at Test level and open the batting. Spinner Nathan Hauritz was expected to play at the Gabba, Hilditch added, leaving Bollinger as the likely 12th man.

Asked if Clark's age was a factor, Hilditch said: "No. It's an assessment of Doug at the moment.

"We think he's bowling really, really well.

"He was very impressive when he got an opportunity in Dubai in the one-day series there and then went to India and really came away as one of the key bowlers of that series.

"We just think it's the right time to give him a chance."

Clark has an impressive record of 94 wickets at 23.86 but struggled on the Ashes tour, taking four wickets at 44.00 in two Tests.

Australian squad is: Simon Katich, Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Mike Hussey, Marcus North, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Doug Bollinger.