Ranchi: Australian skipper Steve Smith has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series due to a shoulder injury he suffered during the fifth and final ODI played in Nagpur few days back. David Warner has been named the stand-in captain for Australia and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has been called up to the squad as his replacement.
Richard Saw, the Bupa Support Team Doctor as quoted by cricket.com.au said, “He has had an MRI scan which has excluded serious injury, but we believe the best course of action is for him to not continue to aggravate his shoulder and allow it to recover.”
“He will have further investigation upon his return to Australia but we remain confident he will be available for the start of the Sheffield Shield season,” he further added.
Smith had an awkward landing on his right shoulder during the match in Nagpur and has felt soreness ever since then. He had an MRI done on the injured shoulder on Thursday and had also skipped the training on Friday.
The 28-year-old would now fly back to Australia where he would undergo rehabilitation to become fit before the Ashes kicks off on November 23.
Australia had a nightmare of an ODI series as they were handed a 4-1 beating at the hands of India. Much was expected of them in the T20I series but the absence of Smith, who is one of the best willow-wielders in the team is definitely going to be a huge setback for them, especially when they are aiming to salvage some pride for themselves in the tour.