Stuart Clark ruled out of Champions Trophy

Sydney, Oct 4 (UNI) Australian medium pacer Stuart Clark was today ruled out of the Champions Trophy in India due to a thigh injury.

Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that Clark will miss the event, starting October 7, due to the injury he sustained in club cricket last weekend.

Clark had an MRI scan last evening which showed a tear in his left quadriceps, a CA release said here.

Following a review of the scan by Australian physiotherapist Alex Kountouris and other medical staff, the medium pacer was ruled out of the tournament.

''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 3 mobile Ashes series,'' Kountouris said.

The Australian selectors are yet to decide on a replacement.

Clark, meanwhile, said he was disappointed to miss the trip to the sub-continent but vowed to be fit in time for the Ashes.

''It is very disappointing to get an injury like this right on the eve of such an important tour. However, all I can do is look forward and commit myself to a full rehabilitation,'' he said.

''I am confident that I will be back playing as soon as is possible and will be doing everything in my power to ensure that I'm fully fit ahead of the 3 mobile Ashes series,'' Clark added.

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