Blood clot rules Carberry out of Australia trip

Michael Carberry, the Hampshire opening batsman, has been ruled out of the England Performance Programme trip to Australia after suffering a blood clot in his lung. He has received treatment which has been successful but he can't take long-haul flights following the illness.

ESPNcricinfo understands that Carberry first felt the effects of the problem towards the end of last season when he started to suffer shortness of breath while batting and fielding.

He was due to be part of the squad that will be based in Brisbane and Perth alongside the main Ashes party until shortly before Christmas. No replacement has been named to cover for Carberry's absence.

Carberry made his Test debut against Bangladesh in Chittagong where he scored 34 and 30 but hasn't been able to add to his single cap.