New Kent bowler Stuart Clark believes his spell with the county is the perfect way of breaking back into the Australian squad for this summer's Ashes series.

The 33-year-old, who underwent elbow surgery and missed his country's tour of South Africa, signed a six-week deal with Kent last week.

Clark is desperate to get match practice ahead of the opening Ashes Test in Cardiff in July and said: "For me this move is vital because I'll need the miles in the legs.

"The elbow feels excellent. There's no soreness or swelling and it feels as good as new. I think I've done enough over the years to suggest I can obviously play (in the Ashes), it's just a matter of being right when it's time to go."

Clark hopes the fact he has played in English conditions before with Middlesex will count in his favour with the Australian selectors.

He said: "I realised I had to get some cricket under my belt before the Ashes, that is one of the reasons for me going over there.

"I was looking to get games there and they (Kent) were looking for a fast bowler. It will be good to get experience in their conditions in the lead up to the series."

He added: "When I am fit I will come into serious calculation (with the selectors).

"It is good for the game that a lot of guys are doing well, but I think I'm the only bowler with experience in those conditions. The only ground I haven't played at is Cardiff where we're playing the first Test."

Clark and Brett Lee face a battle to break back into the Australian side with newcomers Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus impressing against South Africa, while Mitchell Johnson is virtually assured of a place.

Clark said: "It's not going to come down to what I want or what Brett wants, it's going to be what the selectors want.

"They are going to chose the top three fast bowlers for the team, and I think I have done enough with my time in the Test team.

"I feel personally that I am one of those top three at full fitness. I am feeling as fit as I ever have."