Back injury puts Australia captain Clarke out of India tour

Australia captain Michael Clarke will miss the limited-overs tour of India after failing to recover in time from a chronic back injury.

Chairman of selectors John Inverarity said Clarke was keen to tour but ultimately not fit.

“Michael [Clarke] was very keen to captain the ODI team to India but unfortunately he hasn't progressed enough to be available for selection," a statement from Inverarity read.

Australia's T20 skipper George Bailey will lead the team in Clarke's absence, while Brad Haddin will assume the vice-captaincy.

"His replacement is Callum Ferguson, whose form in 50-over cricket during the last Australian summer was impressive, scoring 271 runs at an average of 45 and a strike rate of 70 in the RYOBI CUP, along with an additional three matches for Australia A against the England Lions in February scoring 149 runs in three innings at 49.66 with a strike rate of 91.

"In addition, The NSP has added Nic Maddinson to the squad for the T20 fixture. Nic showed some sparkling form on Australia A tours during the winter. He will be in strong contention to open the batting with Aaron Finch in this game," the statement added.

Clarke's availability for the series, which starts with a T20 on October 10 followed by a seven ODIs, was always in doubt due to recurring back problems.

He is being rested in order to be fit for the forthcoming Ashes series Down Under.

Commenting on his injury, Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said Clarke has a longstanding low back injury that requires "ongoing management".

"During the recent England ODI series his injury flared up again and has been slow to improve with his regular treatment.

"Michael will therefore not be available to play the upcoming India ODI series and will require a more extensive rehabilitation period before returning to competitive cricket," Kountouris added.

Australia T20 squad: George Bailey (Captain), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Johnson, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, Adam Voges, Shane Watson.

Australia ODI squad: George Bailey (Captain), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Callum Ferguson, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Moises Henriques, Phil Hughes, Mitchell Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, Adam Voges, Shane Watson.