Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke will return home from the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy after sustaining a lower back injury.

Clarke has had lower back pain since the latter part of the one-day series in England , which Australia won 6-1.

The right handed middle order mainstay's departure from South Africa will come as a rude shock to Ricky Ponting's men, who have clearly been struggling for form after their ODI glories in England.

Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said Clarke's conditions worsened after the team reached South Africa.

"On arriving in South Africa the pain has intensified and he has not been able to participate in any of the team’s training sessions.

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“He has received intensive treatment but it is apparent that he will not be able to take any part in the remainder of this series."

A decision on a replacement player will be made by the National Selection Panel in due course and will be confirmed and announced by the ICC as per Champions Trophy protocol.

The Aussies battled to a tough win against a second string West Indies and will now have to register a comprehensive win against Pakistan after their clash against India was rained out Monday night.

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