Injured Clarke heads home
29/09/2009 7:23 PM
Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke will return home from the ICC Champions Trophy due to a lower back injury.
Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said Clarke has had lower back pain since the latter part of the one-day series in England.
"On arriving in South Africa the pain has intensified and he has not been able to participate in any of the team’s training sessions," Kountouris said.
"He has received intensive treatment but it is apparent that he will not be able to take any part in the remainder of this series."
"As such Michael will return home to continue his treatment and return to playing as soon as possible."
A decision on a replacement player will be made by the National Selection Panel in due course and will be confirmed and announced by the ICC.
The injury is a massive blow ahead of Australia's must-win match against Pakistan on Wednesday.