Smith ruled out of India T20 series

Photo: AFP

New Delhi: Australia have suffered a major blow as skipper Steve Smith has been ruled out of entire T20 series against India which is scheduled begin on Saturday in Ranchi.

Smith landed awkwardly on his right shoulder during the fifth ODI in Nagpur last week. The 28-year-old had a MRI scan on his right shoulder after training on Thursday and was forced to miss the practice session on Friday morning. 

Smith will travel back to Australia to rest and he faces race against time to recover for Magellan Ashes, which begins in two months time.

All-rounder Marcus Stoinis has been called in as replacement and David Warner will lead the Australian team in Smith’s absence.  

The visitors will look to turn things around after their embarrassing 4-1 ODI series loss to Virat Kohli’s men.

India and Australia are scheduled to play 3-match T20 series.