The Kings XI Punjab has received a huge setback as Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson has been ruled out of the whole Champions League T20, announced today.
Johnson missed Kings XI’s first couple of games because of a rib injury and was expected to join the squad for the later part of the tournament. He, meanwhile, has not received clearance from the Cricket Australia (CA) and will not participate in the tournament.
CA’s general manager of team performance, Pat Howard informed that Johnson has not fully recovered from the injury that he sustained during the Zimbabwe tri-series. He added that the left-arm pacer will travel with the national team to continue rehabilitation.
“Unfortunately Mitchell is not back to 100% fitness so we will not be releasing him to Kings XI Punjab for the remainder of the Champions League,” Howard said. “He will travel with the squad to Dubai on Sunday to continue his rehab with the team medical staff.”
Injury-hit Australian team has taken a safe passage by not allowing Johnson to play in the Champions League ahead of the Pakistan series. All-rounder Shane Watson is already ruled out because of a calf strain, while skipper Michael Clarke is also doubtful.
Johnson is Australia’s bowling mainstay and in the absence of key players the Kangaroos will be pounding upon him in the Pakistan series. Australia are slated to play three ODIs, two Tests and one-off T20 against Pakistan in UAE.
