Bracken out of Champions Trophy

Johannesburg:

Australia pace bowler Nathan Bracken will miss the Champions Trophy due to a knee injury, the Australian cricket board said on Thursday.

"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 Cricket Australia 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."

A decision on a replacement player for Bracken will made by the National Selection Panel shortly and will need to be confirmed by the ICC's Technical Committee before being announced.