Australian captain Steve Smith has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series against India with a shoulder injury scheduled to start from today at Ranchi. He will fly back to Australia to undergo rehabilitation to make himself fit ahead of the most awaited Ashes series later this year.

Smith had undergone an MRI on his right shoulder on Thursday before missing the training season ahead of their first match of the T20 series. He is expected to be fit before the start of the Sheffield Shield season.

The Aussie skipper suffered a blow on his shoulder when he landed awkwardly while fielding during the fifth match of the ODI series in Nagpur which the Australians eventually lost 4-1. He was having problems with his movements while batting and fielding, however, the support staff believes there is no major concern and he will be fit before the Ashes.

The Australian team doctor Richard Saw while talking about Smith’s injury said, “Smith landed awkwardly on his right shoulder whilst diving in the field during the fifth ODI against India last Sunday. Following the match, he complained of shoulder soreness, which has not settled and is restricting his ability to bat and throw.”

“Subsequently 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. 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,” he added when asked about what will be the future course of action.

The fiery left-handed opening batsman David Warner will lead the Australian side in the absence of their regular captain Steve Smith. Marcus Stoinis has been named as the replacement for the injured Smith.