Champions League Twenty20: Kings XI Punjab to Miss Mitchell Johnson Indefinitely
Kings XI will miss Mitchell Johnson's firepower as the Champions League Twenty20 main rounds get under way.
Cricket Australia has on Wednesday advised that Mitchell Johnson will not immediately join the Kings XI Punjab in India at the Champions League Twenty20 due to a rib injury. The Aussie pacer has in recent times terrorised batsmen with his pace and aggression. (Complete coverage of Champions League Twenty20)
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Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: "Mitch had some rib pain during the recent ODI tour of Zimbabwe. Since returning to Australia, he has had some scans that have confirmed some irritation of the tip of the rib.
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"As such he has had a break from bowling since returning to Australia and having regular treatment to resolve the problem. He has not fully recovered as yet and will be reviewed over the next week."
Kings XI start their Champions League Twenty20 campaign with a match against Hobart Hurricanes in Chandigarh on Thursday. The main rounds of the Champions League Twenty20 begin in Hyderabad on Wednesday with a match between former champions Chennai Super Kings and defending Indian Premier League champions Kolkata Knight Riders.
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CA's Executive General Manager Team Performance Pat Howard said: "Due to medical advice Mitch has not been released to play in the CLT20 tournament at this time. A decision on his release to play for the Kings XI will depend on how he responds to treatment."
The tournament's qualifying rounds ended in Raipur on Tuesday night with defending champions Mumbai Indians crashing out. Northern Districts (New Zealand) and Lahore Lions made it to the main tournament.