PERTH, Dec 14: Australian paceman Stuart Clark’s season could be over after he was ruled out of Wednesday's first Test against South Africa due to the recurrence of an injury to his right elbow.

Clark will fly home to Sydney and have the problem assessed by an orthopaedic surgeon and if an operation is required his season might be finished.

The Victoria fast bowler Peter Siddle was recalled to the 12-man squad to replace Clark and he will likely battle with the all-rounder Shane Watson for a spot in the starting line-up with the off-spinner Jason Krejza almost certain to play.

Siddle made his Test debut against India in Mohali in October when the same elbow problem kept Clark sidelined.

“I don't think it's a secret that I've had a bad elbow for a while,” Clark said after withdrawing from the squad in Perth. “It's flared up. It's not acceptable to play. I had a bowl on Friday and it was pretty sore but I had to come here and try it.

“I think it's a throwing issue that has just got worse over time. It's something that hasn't affected me until recently, until I suppose the Indian series. I've got to go back to Sydney or Melbourne and get the [surgery] process rolling. I hope there's another scenario but I don't really know.”

Alex Kountouris, the Australian team physio, said the pain Clark experienced on Sunday in Perth was significantly worse than in recent times.

Kountouris said it was still unclear how long Clark would be out of action.

“Based on the ongoing nature of his injury and the information available to us, it's been decided that he will see an elbow surgeon early this week with a view to having arthroscopic surgery,” Kountouris said.

“His return to cricket will be determined once he sees the specialist and a decision is made on the best course of management.”

The loss of Clark could be a major blow for Australia on a fast and bouncy WACA pitch. Clark struggled for impact on the recent tour of India but returned to form with six wickets against New Zealand at the Gabba.—Agencies