Clark sends World Cup message

Stuart Clark, who claimed a hat-trick as he decimated Western Australia's top order on Friday, believes he is going to the World Cup despite his axing from the Australia ODI team. Clark and Shaun Tait, who could be fighting for one fast-bowling spot in the Caribbean, were both dropped from Australia's squad for the CB Series finals and the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy in New Zealand next week.

But Clark bounced back from the disappointment in the best possible way: he took a hat-trick and finished with 4 for 11 on day one of New South Wales' Pura Cup match as the Warriors capitulated. The World Cup squad is set to be announced in the next three days and Clark said he deserved to be part of it.

"There are 15 blokes going to the World Cup and I think I'm one of them," Clark told the Sydney Morning Herald after his blistering spell. "If you look at [the hat-trick] in terms of timing, then I guess it's great. But I do think I am one of the best 15 players in the country, and I can do a job for Australia and help us win the World Cup.

"It is obviously disappointing when you get left out of any team, but I tried not to think about it today. It is hard because the games are on and I am watching them on TV but all I can do is go out and play cricket and do well, if I do well I am a chance to be in that 15."