Struggling Johnson, Marsh released by Kings XI Punjab

Kings XI Punjab, who are already out of the race for a place in the play-offs in the Indian Premier League, released Australian players Shaun Marsh and Mitchell Johnson to prepare for their forthcoming two-Test series in the West Indies.

The two players will return to Australia to commence their preparations prior to next month's tour of the West Indies featuring two Test matches at Dominica (June 3-7) and Jamaica (June 11-15).

"Two of our players Shaun Marsh and Mitchell Johnson have been granted permission to return home at their request for preparation of the upcoming West Indies Tour. While both the players have been of great significance to the team and contributed immensely, we respect our players’ decisions. We have a fine line up in place and are hopeful of a good performance in the upcoming matches," Kings XI Punjab said in a statement.

Kings XI are currently languishing at the bottom of the eight-team table with just two wins from 11 games, that includes six straight losses in their last six matches.

They have two away games in hand against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday and against Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 13 followed by a home game against Chennai Super Kings on May 16. 

Image: Mitchell Johnson of Kings XI Punjab.

Photograph: BCCI