MELBOURNE: Australia captain Ricky Ponting was ruled out of Friday's Twenty20 clash against India with a back injury, Australia coach Tim Nielsen said.
Batsman Michael Clarke, who deputised for Ponting in a Twenty20 match against New Zealand last year, will lead the side at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Ponting was troubled by pain and stiffness in the lower back during the fourth test against India in Adelaide this week.
Brad Hodge will bat at number three for Australia with batsman David Hussey set to make his debut.
