Australian Cricketer Mitchell Johnson Suffering From A Rib Injury; Will Sit Out Of Champions League T20
Australian cricketer, Mitchell Johnson, has been withdrawn from the Champions League T20 happening in India because he is currently suffering from a rib injury. He is playing for the Kings XI Punjab, a team jointly owned by Priety Zinta, an Indian actress, and Ness Wadia, an Indian businessman.
The Australian team physiologist, Alex Kountouris, said on Sep. 17, that Mitchell, a fast bowler, was suffering from rib pain during the one-day international tour in Zimbabwe recently. After his return to Australia, he had some scans done which confirmed that there was some irritation of the tip of the rib, reported ABC News.
Kountouris added that he was currently on a break after his return and was having regular treatment to ease his suffering and that he hadn't fully recovered and his review by Cricket Australia's medical team will happen next week.
His response to his treatment will determine the decision as to when he will be released to play for the tournament, said Cricket Australia's team performance manager, Pat Howard. He added that Mitchell wasn't released yet to play due to medical advice. Until he is fit, he would not be joining his Kings XI Punjab team-mates.
The Champions League T20 final is scheduled to take place in Bangalore, India on Oct. 4. In October, Australia is also set to play three one-day international games and a twenty-twenty match against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates and a two-Test series.
The Kings XI Punjab qualified for Champions League T20 after they finished second in the Indian Premier League this year with Kolkatta Knight Riders emerging as winners. The Kings play their first match on Sep. 18 against the Hobart Hurricanes. They will be playing against the Barbados Tridents, Northern Districts and Cape Cobras on Sep. 20, Sep. 26 and Sep. 28 respectively.
Based on their performance in these matches, it is to be seen if they would make it to the semi-finals that is scheduled to be held on Oct. 2.
An announcement on Sep. 16 revealed that the Australian captain, Michael Clarke, was said to be suffering from a hamstring injury and would be avoiding the one day games in the United Arab Emirates.