Australia captain Clarke ruled out of IPL

Australia captain Michael Clarke, signed up by the Pune Warriors India, was ruled out of the sixth edition of the IPL after failing to recover from his injuries.

Clarke suffered a back injury during the Test series against India and had to withdraw from the fourth and final Test in Delhi. He also suffered from a hamstring injury and was forced to return home during the Delhi Test, which Australia lost to be whitewashed 4-0.

Cricket Australia confirmed that Clarke will undergo intensive rehabiliation and is 7-10 weeks away from returning to training and playing.

Detailing Clarke's injury status, CA's Chief Medical Officer Prof. Justin Paoloni said: "Michael Clarke had scans that confirmed his current lower back injury is an exacerbation of previous issues he has had with his spine. As always, we need to manage this carefully as there are potentially serious consequences with further aggravation. He still has pain with basic activities and is not back to full function as yet."

Australia is hoping that Clarke can recover in time for the all-important Ashes, starting in UK in July.

"He also has a hamstring injury that has been a concern for most of the summer and will complicate his return. Michael is having intensive rehabilitation for both his back and hamstring but is still 7-10 weeks away from returning to training and playing. We are confident that it will not affect his Ashes preparation but will know more over the coming weeks," he added.

Clarke’s intensive rehabilitation program will be overseen by the CA medical team and back specialists in Australia.

Clarke was bought by Pune Warriors for $400,000 at the players' auction earlier this year and was expected to lead the side. In his absence, Yuvraj Singh may take over the captaincy.