Oz left arm pacer Bracken breaks down with knee injury

Johannesburg, Sep.24 (ANI): Key Australian left-arm fast bowler Nathan Bracken has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy with a knee injury.

Bracken, who is the highest ranked ODI bowler in the Australian team and has the ability to swing the ball both ways and change-up speed has been an essential part of the squad over the last few seasons.

The left-hander was number one in the world last year, but slipped to sixth on the ICC table following a knee injury that has hampered him for some time.

Bracken overtook new ball duties from Glenn McGrath. His absence will be a major blow to captain Ricky Ponting who relied on his steady bowling at the top of the order as a counter-balance to the attack of Brett Lee.

Australia is yet to decide on a replacement. (ANI)