INDIA V AUSTRALIA T20I

Smith ruled out of India T20Is due to shoulder problem

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

Steven Smith will fly back home due to a shoulder problem © AFP

Steven Smith, the Australia captain, has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series against India due to a shoulder problem. Smith underwent an MRI scan on his shoulder after taking part in a training session on Thursday and didn't practice for most of Friday's night session.

During Friday's practice session, Smith took a few throw downs from Graeme Hick, the batting coach, before making his way back to the hotel. He also had a few discussions with Richard Saw, the squad's doctor, Alex Kountouris, the physio, Mark Waugh, the selector and David Saker.

During the fifth ODI against India in Nagpur, Smith had landed awkwardly on his right shoulder, which limited his movements while batting and throwing. However, on a positive note, the backroom staff believe that there are no major concerns with regard to Smith's availability for the upcoming Ashes series.

"Smith landed awkwardly on his right shoulder whilst diving in the field during the fifth ODI against India last Sunday. Following the match he complained of shoulder soreness, which has not settled and is restricting his ability to bat and throw," team doctor Richard Saw said.

"Subsequently 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 added.

In Smith's absence, vice-captain David Warner will lead the side while Glenn Maxwell, in all likelihood, will get a promotion in the batting order. Marcus Stoinis has been named Smith's replacement for the T20I series, which gets underway in Ranchi on October 7.

Australia lost the just-concluded ODI series against India 4-1. Smith himself struggled to make an impact, scoring 142 runs in the series. Incidentally, he hasn't played a T20I since the World T20 last year. Smith has compiled 431 runs at an average of 21.55 in 30 T20Is so far.

© Cricbuzz

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