Bracken blow for Australia

Fast bowler Nathan Bracken will not appear for Australia at the ICC Champions Trophy because of a knee injury.

Injured seamer to miss entire ICC Champions Trophy

Fast bowler Nathan Bracken will not appear for Australia at the ICC Champions Trophy because of a knee injury. Cricket Australia (CA) announced in a statement that the 32-year-old left-arm bowler is in pain with a long-term knee problem and will return home to consult a specialist. Bracken is one of the world's best limited-overs bowlers and his absence will come as a blow for Ricky Ponting's side. "The nature of Nathan's right knee problem has meant that he has had some ongoing manageable pain, but this has now reached a point where he is unable to continue playing in the ICC Champions Trophy," said Australia's physiotherapist Alex Kountouris. "He will return to Australia to consult a knee specialist for an opinion on the best course of action. "His return to cricket will be determined after consulting the specialist." Reigning world champions Australia will begin their title defence of the Champions Trophy against West Indies in a preliminary group match, with India and Pakistan also featuring in their group. A replacement player will be selected by the National Selection Panel and confirmed by the ICC's Technical Committee before being announced.