Injured Steve Smith to return to Australia

Australian captain Steve Smith will miss the T20 series against India due to a shoulder injury.

Steve Smith.

Captain Steve Smith may miss Australia's T20 opener against India due to soreness in his shoulder. (AAP)

Steve Smith will miss Australia's T20 internationals against India with a shoulder injury, but is expected to recover in time for the Ashes.

The Australian skipper will miss the three-match series, which starts on Saturday (0030 Sunday AEDT) in Ranchi, after landing awkwardly on his right shoulder while fielding in Sunday's final one-dayer.

Team doctor Richard Saw said shoulder soreness had restricted Smith's ability to bat and throw.

"He has had an MRI scan which has excluded serious injury, but we believe the best course of action is for him to not continue to aggravate his shoulder and allow it to recover," Saw said.

"He will have further investigation upon his return to Australia but we remain confident he will be available for the start of the Sheffield Shield season."

Smith's injury compounds a miserable tour for the tourists after being thumped 4-1 by India in the ODIs.

Test hopeful Marcus Stoinis will replace Smith in the T20 squad, while vice-captain David Warner will take over as captain.

Paceman Jason Behrendorff is likely to make his long-awaited international debut, while Andrew Tye, after replacing Pat Cummins (rested), is among four quicks in the squad.

Nathan Coulter-Nile was outstanding in the ODIs and Kane Richardson also impressed.

Allrounders Dan Christian and Moises Henriques have joined the squad for the T20 series.

Wicketkeeper Tim Paine will take over from Matthew Wade, but is expected to bat down the order with Warner and Aaron Finch looking to continue their strong form as an opening duo.

In the three ODIs, they opened the batting and put on first-wicket stands of 70, 231 and 66.

Glenn Maxwell will be desperate to find some form ahead of the Ashes. A poor run in the ODI series led to him being dropped for the final two matches.

"We're really lucky that we've got a really flexible batting order," Paine said.

"Glenn has opened the batting in a few Twenty20s for Australia in the subcontinent and done really well.

"Finchy and Davey Warner are probably two of the better T20 opening batsmen in the world. I'd expect that they would probably open."


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Source: AAP



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