Back injury forces Clarke to return home

CENTURION - Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke will return home due to his lower back injury.

Clarke hasn’t featured in the two matches Australia played so far in the tournament. The injury happened during the one-day series in England.

Cricket Australia (CA) physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: “Michael 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.”

“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,” Kontouris added.

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 International Cricket Council (ICC) as per Champions Trophy protocol.