Injured Smith out of T20Is against India

Australian captain Steve Smith was today ruled out of the Twenty20 series against India due to a shoulder injury, a massive setback for the already struggling visitors.

Cricket Australia confirmed that vice-captain David Warner will stand in as captain for the three-match series, which begins in Ranchi on Saturday.

Marcus Stoinis will replace Smith in the squad for the remainder of the series. Smith, on the other hand, will return home and is expected to be fit for next month’s Ashes.

“Smith landed awkwardly on his right shoulder while diving in the field during the fifth ODI against India last Sunday,” team doctor Richard Saw stated in a Cricket Australia release.