Australia fast bowler Stuart Clark admitted he feared he'd played his last Test after he ended a nine-month exile from international cricket with a three-wicket burst on Friday.

Clark, renowned as an economical bowler, took three wickets for 18 runs in just 10 overs as Australia bowled out England for a mere 102 on the first day of the fourth Ashes Test here at Headingley.

Peter Siddle polished off the tail on the way to a Test-best five for 21 before Australia, 1-0 down in the five-match series, ended the opening day on 196 for four - a lead of 94.

An elbow injury and the selectors' choice had kept Clark on the sidelines since the Adelaide Test against New Zealand in November and December.

Asked if he thought he might not play for Australia again, Clark told reporters: "Yeah, there were a moments. There was a lot of speculation, would I play again or could I play again?" Clark was delighted though to be back.

"It feels really good, I got a few wickets and we're well ahead in the game," said the 33-year-old paceman, who dismissed Ian Bell, Alastair Cook and Stuart Broad.

Asked why, despite a good record against England (he took 26 wickets during the 2006-7 Ashes), he'd been left out for so long, Clark replied: "I thought I was a real good chance to play in conditions I've played in before.

"I was disappointed, but I'm a realist. I understand the selectors have a tough job as well," he added.