(Reuters) - British MotoGP rider Cal Crutchlow will miss Sunday's Australian Grand Prix after breaking his ankle in Friday's second practice at Phillip Island, his LCR Honda team said.
Crutchlow had been fifth fastest in the morning session but suffered a heavy fall in the afternoon, fracturing his right ankle and tibia.
"After being seen by medics at the track, the 32-year-old was taken to Melbourne Alfred City Hospital where he will undergo surgery to correct the injury," the team said.
Crutchlow, a three-times winner in motorcycling's top category, had finished second at the previous round in Japan, a race that saw Spaniard Marc Marquez take his fifth MotoGP championship.
The Briton is fifth in the overall standings with two races remaining after Australia.
Ducati's Jorge Lorenzo will also be absent from Sunday's race as he recovers from recent wrist surgery in Spain.
(Reporting by Alan Baldwin in London, editing by Clare Fallon)
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