A knee injury has ruled star Australia bowler Nathan Bracken out of the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa, a team spokesman said Thursday. Australia launch their defence of the second most important international one-day tournament after the World Cup against the West Indies at the Wanderers stadium here Saturday.
The loss of Bracken owing to an on-going right knee problem will seriously blunt the attack as he is the highest placed Australian bowler on the world rankings in sixth spot. Bracken is expected to leave South Africa Thursday. Cricket Australia has not confirmed who will replace him in the 15-man squad for the two-week tournament.