Clark expected to play against Pakistan

Stuart Clark's dash to South Africa has not resulted in an immediate return to international cricket but Ricky Ponting is confident that Clark will break into the side against Pakistan in the UAE. Ben Laughlin beat Clark for a place in the attack for the final ODI in Johannesburg but Clark has impressed his team-mates in the nets.

He is making his comeback from an elbow injury that has kept him out of elite cricket since the end of the Test series against New Zealand in early December. However, Ponting faced Clark at training in Johannesburg this week and said all the signs had been positive.

"I'm pretty sure he will get an opportunity to play some games over there," Ponting told AAP. "I faced a bit of him today in the nets and it just seemed like the same old Stuart Clark. It's always a little bit difficult to judge things on net performances.

"But his rhythm looked good, his action looked the same, and it's nice to have him back around the group again. It's nice to have a more experienced guy, someone who has a very good record at international level, back in our group. He seems to be coming along really well. All reports from the physical and training staff are that he's going well and pulling up quite well."

Clark had intended to prove his fitness for the Ashes by taking up a county position with Kent. The surprise call-up into Australia's limited-overs side after Brett Geeves was ruled out with a fractured foot has given him an earlier-than-expected path back into the national squad and Ponting said Clark was thrilled to once again be among his team-mates.

"When you join the squad again you are usually full of beans," Ponting said. "You usually are when you have three months off, sitting at home. This is an opportunity that he thought might not have come along."

Australia wrap up their one-day series in South Africa with a match in Johannesburg on Friday. From there they fly directly to the UAE for the limited-overs series against Pakistan, which begins in Dubai on Wednesday.