Michael Clarke ruled out of Champions Trophy game against England at Edgbaston

Australia will be without their influential skipper, Michael Clarke, for their opening Champions Trophy match against England at Edgbaston on Saturday.

Clarke has been ruled out with a lower-back injury that did not allow him to participate in the warm-up games against the West Indies and India and his fitness is becoming a headache for selectors ahead of the all important Ashes series.

Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: “Michael is making steady progress in his recovery from the recent lower back injury but is yet to return to training.

“He will remain in London over the coming days to continue his rehabilitation and will not be available for the first match against England on Saturday.

“How he responds to the ongoing treatment will determine his availability for the match against New Zealand next Wednesday.”