Clark to miss Champions Trophy

Stuart Clark has suffered a leg injury playing grade cricket in Australia, and is set to miss the Champions Trophy in a four to six week layoff. The muscle tear is a blow to Clark, especially given the close competition for seam bowling spots ahead of the Ashes series that begins next month. The lack of Clark in the CT squad opens the door for rivals such as Queensland quick Mitchell Johnson to impress in the ODI series and earn a test spot.

Clark will remain in Australia and undergo all necessary treatment to ensure that he will be ready come November 23rd, but any doubts about his fitness will ensure that the selectors look to the likes of Gillespie, Bracken or Johnson instead.

Australia begin their Champions Trophy campaign on October 18, against a qualifying side.