David Hussey to replace Clarke at Champions Trophy

Melbourne:

Batsman David Hussey will replace injured Australia vice captain Michael Clarke at the Champions Trophy in South Africa, team officials said on Thursday.

Clarke was ruled out of the tournament with a back injury and returned home to Australia. Hussey, 32, was due to fly out on Thursday, so he could be with the team in time for Friday's semifinal against England.

The younger brother of Australian team regular Michael, Hussey has played 23 one-day internationals for Australia, scoring 598 runs at an average of 28.47.

Clarke, meanwhile, said he will do "whatever I have to" to recover from his back injury in time for Australia's one-day series in India starting Oct. 25.

"It's good to be back home now," Clarke said Thursday. "It gives me a chance to get my back right and get the treatment I need to get and I'll worry about the future after that.

"I'm very confident, I'll get a lot of treatment back home and I'm hoping I'll be right for India."