Australia captain Michael Clarke a doubt for Champions Trophy opener against England

Batsman to see a specialist ahead of Saturday's game

Michael Clarke (GETTY IMAGES)

Australia captain Michael Clarke is to head to London for specialist treatment on a lower back injury in an effort to be ready for Saturday's Champions Trophy opener against England.

Clarke missed the final Test of the 4-0 series defeat in India, as well as the Indian Premier League, due to back and hamstring problems.

He was not involved in Australia's first Champions Trophy warm-up against West Indies on Saturday, and the 32-year-old was also left out of the side to face India at the SWALEC Stadium today.

Cricket Australia has confirmed the skipper is a doubt for the clash with their Ashes rivals at Edgbaston.

Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: "Michael is still experiencing some lower back pain and as such is not fit for the warm-up against India today.

"Michael will head to London tomorrow for specialist treatment and a decision on his fitness for the next game will be made in due course."

PA