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This is an archive article published on June 4, 2013

Michael Clarke unlikely to play the ICC Champions Trophy opener

Absence of Michael Clarke would be a boost for England,who have bowling concerns.

Australia captain Michael Clarke is a doubt for their opening Champions Trophy match against England on Saturday due to an on-going back problem,Cricket Australia said on Tuesday.

Clarke sat out their final warm-up game against India in Cardiff on Tuesday after missing last Saturday8217;s match against West Indies.

8220;Michael is still experiencing some lower back pain and as such is not fit for the warm-up game against India today,8221; said Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris in a statement.

8220;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.8221;

The absence of Clarke would be a boost for England,who have concerns over bowlers Stuart Broad and Steve Finn,while bludgeoning batsman Kevin Pietersen has already been ruled out.

Australia8217;s stand-in 50 overs captain is 30-year-old George Bailey,their Twenty20 skipper,who led them to a comfortable victory over West Indies.

 

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