Hashim Amla replaces injured Shaun Marsh at Kings XI Punjab

Image: Hashim Amla set for first stint in Indian Premier League

Hashim Amla has joined Kings XI Punjab for the remainder of the Indian Premier League season after Australian batsman Shaun Marsh pulled out through injury.

The former South Africa captain was drafted in after Marsh failed to shake off a back injury which he reportedly suffered against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 19.

Marsh is the fourth Australian to return home early from this year's IPL which ends on Sunday, May 29.

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Australia captain Steve Smith, bowler John Hastings and Marsh's brother Mitchell have also gone home to avoid aggravating their injuries ahead of Australia's participation in a tri-nation series in the West Indies next month.

Amla, who stepped down as South Africa's Test captain in January, was one of the few bright spots in his country's disappointing showing at the recent World Twenty20 in India, scoring two half-centuries.

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Image: Shaun Marsh is fourth Australian to leave IPL injured

After answering the call to sample the IPL for the first time, Amla took to Twitter saying: "Excited to be with @lionsdenkixp for the remainder of the @ipl. Looking forward to it. Thanks for the support peeps."

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