SYDNEY, Oct 4: Australian seam bowler Stuart Clark was Wednesday ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy with a thigh injury he picked last weekend playing club cricket.

Clark had a scan on Tuesday evening which showed a tear in his left quadriceps which will not heal in time for the One-day tournament starting in India on October 7, Cricket Australia said.

A replacement is yet to be announced.

“The nature of the injury means it would be unlikely that Stuart would be able take any part in the ICC Champions Trophy,” said team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris.

“Therefore, the decision was made for him to stay in Australia and undergo treatment to maximise his chances of a full recovery before the Ashes series.” Clark is likely to be sidelined for up to six weeks.

“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,” said Clark.

“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 Ashes series.”—AFP