India vs Australia 2017: Captain Ruled Out Of T20 Series

Ahead of the first T20I in Ranchi, the beleaguered Australian team has suffered a huge blow as their talismanic skipper Steve Smith has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series due to a shoulder problem. The right-handed batsman had undergone an MRI scan on his shoulder after taking part in a training session on Thursday. He also did not practice for most of Friday’s night session.

On the eve of the series-opener, Smith saw his teammates taking part in the fielding drill from a distance before he had some throw downs with batting coach Graeme Hick in the nets. He was later seen having a discussion with team doctor Richard Saw and physio Alex Kountouris as well as selector Mark Waugh, coach David Saker and head of high performance Pat Howard.

And although, it seemed the injury was not a serious one, it looks like Australia were in no mood to take any risk ahead of the all important Ashes. Smith had suffered the injury when he landed awkwardly on his right shoulder during the fifth game of the ODI series at Nagpur.

Confirming the news, Australia’s team doctor Richard Saw said: “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.”

“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. Allrounder Marcus Stoinis has been named Smith’s replacement for the T20I series which will start on Saturday (October 7). Smith’s injury will be a huge blow for the visitors who lost the ODI series 4-1 and will be desperate to make amends in the upcoming series.