Pune draft in George Bailey as a replacement
Monday 2 May 2016 17:48, UK
Australia captain Steve Smith and batsman Shaun Marsh have pulled out of the Indian Premier League because of injuries.
Cricket Australia said Smith has been suffering from pain in his right wrist for the past week while playing for Rising Pune Supergiants.
Marsh, who has been featuring struggling for Kings XI Punjab, has seen his tournament ended by a back niggle that he picked up against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 19.
Australia are due to compete in a one-day international Tri-Series in the Caribbean in June against West Indies and South Africa.
"From the information we have so far, this doesn't appear to be a serious injury but we are keen to give him the time to recover and rehabilitate before heading to the West Indies at the end of May," CA said in a statement on Monday.
Rising Pune Supergiants have been blighted by injuries this term, with Smith's Australia team-mate - and Shaun Marsh's brother - Mitchell Marsh forced to leave the tournament with a side strain, South Africa's Faf du Plessis breaking his finger and ex-England batsman Kevin Pietersen tearing his calf.
MS Dhoni's side have signed another Australian batsman, George Bailey, as cover for Smith, having already secured the services of Usman Khawaja last week.
