Australian batsman David Hussey has been called up to replace injured vice-captain Michael Clarke for the remaining games of the Champions Trophy being held in South Africa.

Hussey has received the call-up after Clarke was ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury.

Clarke has been struggling with the back pain for many years and has been managing the injury through the taxing international schedule that the Australians have.

Hussey was due to fly out on Thursday, so that he could be with the team in time for Friday’’s semi-final against England, The Courier Mail reports.

Australia qualified for the Champions Trophy semi finals after they defeated Pakistan on Wednesday, and now they are scheduled to play against England on Friday in Pretoria.