Steve Smith out with injury, David Warner to lead Aussies in T20 cricket series

The struggling Australian cricket team suffered a massive blow a few hours before the start of their three-match T20I series against India in Ranchi, when their captain Steven Smith was ruled out of the series due to a shoulder injury.

All-rounder Marcus Stonis will replace Australian captain Smith, who will be returning home for recovery. The decision to send Steve Smith home was taken on Saturday morning.

In Steve Smith’s absence, his deputy David Warner will lead Australia in a series where the visitors will be fighting for pride after suffering a 4-1 defeat in the ODI series earlier.

Steve Smith will be returning home for recovery as the build-up intensifies for the Ashes 2017-18 to be played Down Under, and will join at least two other top-flight cricketers who are on a comeback trail — Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

The Ashes 2017-18 begins November 23 at The Gabba in Brisbane.

According to cricket.com.au, Smith had skipped the training session on Friday and even had a MRI scan on his right shoulder which is sore.