Champions Trophy: Michael Clarke misses out again for Australia

Injury ruled captain out of New Zealand match

Wednesday 12 June 2013 12:03 BST
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Michael Clarke claims he has put aside thoughts of the Ashes series
Michael Clarke claims he has put aside thoughts of the Ashes series (PA)

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Australia captain Michael Clarke will miss tomorrow's ICC Champions Trophy match against New Zealand as he continues to struggle with a lower back injury.

The batsman missed Saturday's opening loss to England due to the complaint and Cricket Australia has now confirmed that he will not feature against the Black Caps.

The 32-year-old's continuing problems with the long-standing injury will cast further doubts over his availability for the remainder of the tournament and this summer's Ashes which begin on July 10 at Trent Bridge.

Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: "Michael is continuing to have intensive treatment in London, and whilst he is making good progress, he has not improved sufficiently enough to play the game against New Zealand on Wednesday.

"We will continue to monitor his progress and determine his availability for next week's final group game against Sri Lanka."

Clarke has suffered from regular back problems during his career and most recently suffered a relapse during the 4-0 series defeat in India.

He was also absent from the Champions Trophy warm-up games against West Indies and India and has been receiving specialist treatment in London in a bid to regain his fitness.

Australia's final group game will be against Sri Lanka on June 17 although that could prove to be a dead rubber should they lose to New Zealand and England beat the Sri Lankans on Thursday.

PA

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