Michael Clarke to miss New Zealand match

Australia captain Michael Clarke has not yet recovered from a chronic back injury and will miss out on his side’s second league match against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy here on Wednesday.

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 had missed Australia’s warm-up matches and the tournament opener against England. George Bailey will continue to lead the team in his absence.