Bracken out of Champions Trophy

Seamer Nathan Bracken, who is battling a long-term knee injury, is to return home to Australia to consult a knee specialist

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Australia have been dealt a massive blow ahead of their ICC Champions Trophy campaign with left-arm seamer Nathan Bracken returning home due to a knee injury.

The 32-year-old is battling a long-term knee problem and it was decided that the best course of action was for him to return home to undergo assessment.

"The nature of Nathan's right knee problem has meant that he has had some ongoing manageable pain, but this has now reached a point where he is unable to continue playing in the ICC Champions Trophy," Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.

"He will return to Australia to consult a knee specialist for an opinion on the best course of action. His return to cricket will be determined after consulting the specialist."

One of the world's best limited-overs bowlers, Bracken's ability to swing the ball and keep things tight will be sorely missed.

A decision on a replacement player will be made by the National Selection Panel in the coming days and will need to be confirmed by the ICC's technical committee before being announced.

Australia begin the tournament against West Indies on Saturday.