The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Clark out of Champions Trophy

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Thursday, Oct 05, 2006
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Clark out of Champions Trophy

Stuart Clark.

MELBOURNE : Fast bowler Stuart Clark has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy because of a thigh injury, Cricket Australia said on Wednesday. Clark injured his upper left leg in a club match last weekend.

Australia selectors have not named a replacement for the 14-man squad set to compete this month at the limited-overs tournament in India.

``The nature of the injury means it would be unlikely that Stuart would be able take any part in the ICC Champions Trophy. Therefore, the decision was made for him to stay in Australia and undergo treatment to maximise his chances of a full recovery before the Ashes,'' team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.

Clark will be sidelined for four to six weeks, but expects to be available for selection in the first Ashes Test against England starting from November 23 in Brisbane.

``I am confident that I will be back playing as soon as possible and will be doing everything in my power to ensure that I'm fully fit ahead of the Ashes series,'' he said.

Despite Clark's late withdrawal, Australia's fast bowling stocks are strong in India, with Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Bracken and Shane Watson all in the squad.

Former Test bowlers Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz and Shaun Tait are among the candidates to replace Clark. — AP

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