Australia's squad for the first Ashes Test in Brisbane may be swollen to as many as 15 by a selection panel still uncertain about the best team.
Next Monday, November 15, has been set down for months as the date on which the squad will be named.
That deadline renders the subsequent round of Sheffield Shield matches, plus England's tour match against Australia A in Hobart, less meaningful than they might have been.
His choices have been complicated by numerous factors, the most pressing being the injury-affected preparations of pace options Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris and opener Simon Katich.
Another issue has arisen in the shape of a worrying lack of form demonstrated by the supposed first choices.
Among the younger aspirants, Callum Ferguson, Usman Khawaja and Indian Test debutant Peter George will also want to press their cases in those final Shield matches if included in an extended Australian squad.
"To me it's about picking your best 11 players for that Test match, and conditions change as well, and I think we're in a great position with the amount of people who are in good nick around the country, to pick that best 11," said Clarke.
"There's always competition for spots, and I've openly said that you're never cemented in the Australian cricket team.
"It is important for all of us once we get back to Australia, to be performing, to have runs or wickets on the board, to put your hand up for the first Test."
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