RANCHI: Australian skipper Steve Smith was on Saturday ruled out of the Twenty20 series versus India because of a shoulder injury, a huge setback for the already stressed visitors.
Cricket Australia affirmed that vice-captain David Warner will place as a captain for the three-match series, which begins on Saturday.
Marcus Stoinis will replace Steve Smith in the team for the remainder of the series. Smith, on the other hand, will return home and is anticipated to be on top form for next month's Ashes.
"Smith landed ineptly on his right shoulder while diving in the field during the fifth ODI against India last Sunday," squad doctor Richard Saw stated in a Cricket Australia release.
Australia has lost the fifth ODI in Nagpur by seven wickets as India completed a 4-1 series win over the world champions to get back the number one position in the ICC rankings.
"Following the match he complained of shoulder pain, which has not settled and is put a ceiling on his ability to bat and throw," Cricket Australia said.
"Consequently he has had an MRI scan which has expelled serious injury, but we believe the best course of action is for him to not continue to make worse his shoulder and allow it to get better."