Clark set to reap million-dollar rewards for Ashes exploits

Sydney, Jan 7 (UNI) Stuart Clark's Ashes heroics are set to make him a millionaire after Cricket Australia starts its contractual review following retirements by Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Justin Langer and Damien Martyn.

According to a report in 'The Sunday Telegraph', the medium pacer, who has invited comparisons with McGrath for his accuracy, will enter the list of 25 contracted players, which will see his earnings multiply manifold.

The lanky bowler may also earn a place in the top-five earners if he gets a place in the squad for the World Cup in West Indies.

Clark grabbed 42 Test wickets at 17.76 last year and his 26-wicket performance in the Ashes is set to be rewarded with a 500,000 dollar contract. Combined with match fees, endorsements and other bonuses, Clark's earnings are set to rise to 800,000 dollars.

''It depends on how the selectors rank him but he has gone from a fringe player to one of our best bowlers in the past year,'' said Australian Cricketers Association chief executive Paul Marsh.

''If he makes the World Cup team, his ranking could improve considerably. The way the system is set up, he's set for a big increase in his contract,'' he added.

Other benefeciaries of the contractual review, which will see seven contracts being up for grabs, are Michael Hussey, whose earnings could well make him third in the list behind skipper Ricky Ponting and vice-captain Adam Gilchrist.

However, the news is not good for team discards Jason Gillespie, Simon Katich and Michael Kasprowicz, who are in danger of being axed from 25-man list.

Cricket Australia is likely to issue new contracts in early May after the World Cup.

UNI