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Kings XI Punjab’s bid to stay in contention for a play-off berth in the Indian Premier League suffered a major blow when their premier batsman Shaun Marsh was ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury.
The Australian had picked up a niggle in his back during the six-wicket loss to Kolkata Knight Riders on April 19, which reportedly worsened in subsequent matches.
It's a huge blow for the struggling franchise, which is rooted to the bottom of the ladder despite Sunday's impressive win over league leaders Gujarat Lions.
Marsh missed Punjab's opening match of the tournament as he was hospitalised with food poisoning, but in the six matches since scored 159 runs at 31.80 – the highest average for the franchise.
He joins the growing list of Australian cricketers to withdraw from the ninth edition of the cash-rich Twenty 20 league.
Younger brother Mitchell (side strain), Australia captain Steve Smith (wrist) and pacer John Hastings (ankle) pulled out because of injury.
According to Cricket Australia's official website, Marsh had been carrying a niggle since the April 19 game against Knight Riders in which he scored 56.
"Unlike brother Mitchell and Smith, he is not part of Australia's squad for the upcoming tour of the West Indies. If selected, his next international assignment will be Australia's tour of Sri Lanka in July and August," the CA said.
Other overseas players to pull out of the ongoing IPL are Kevin Pietersen (calf injury), Faf du Pluessis (finger), Lasith Malinga (knee) and Samuel Badree (shoulder).