When ex-Australian quick Stuart Clark read veteran Peter Siddle had earned a Test recall in the morning paper he "spat his cornflakes out".
But Clark still backed an all out pace approach by Australia against Pakistan in their upcoming Test series in the UAE, ignoring ex-speedster Mitchell Johnson's advice they should go with three spinners.
Clark took aim at head coach Justin Langer for his "good bloke" selection policy after fast bowler Chris Tremain missed out in Australia's 15-strong Test squad to play Pakistan next month.
He was left scratching his head over how Siddle - 34 in November - got the nod almost two years after he last played a Test.
"I spat my cornflakes out when I read it," Clark told Sky Sports Radio.
"I played Test cricket with Peter Siddle, that's how far back he goes.
"I'm not saying he is not a good bowler but they must have done it for experience, to get an old bloke in there with Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins not being there."
Clark felt most for form quick Tremain after the inclusion of Victorian teammate Siddle, who played the last of his 62 Tests in November 2016.
Clark took exception to Tremain not stacking up with Langer's new selection policy that was implemented following the ball tampering scandal that claimed Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.
New coach Langer said he was looking for players of good character for his first Test series since taking over the reins from Darren Lehmann in May as he tried to rebuild the team's battered reputation.
"Chris Tremain is the obvious one," Clark said.
"I've read we have gone with character over ability and all this stuff.
"Well, what's wrong with Tremain's character? He seems fine to me."
But Clark baulked at former Test quick Johnson's advice that Australia should unleash three spinners - Nathan Lyon, Ashton Agar and Jon Holland - on Pakistan in the upcoming series.
"I would be nervous doing that," he said.
"For years and years we have tried to beat them with spin, they are too good.
"If we've got the quick bowlers there then try and get in there and have a crack at them."
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