Steve Smith pulls out of Caribbean Premier League

Former Australian skipper Steve Smith has been forced to withdraw himself from the ongoing Caribbean Premier League due to a abdominal injury. The prolific batsman has featured in seven games for the Barbados Tridents, but this strain ends his campaign.

Smith is presently serving a one-year ban for his part in the infamous ‘Sandpaper’ gate incident which took place in the third test against South Africa earlier in March this year. After a few weeks of mental recapitulation, he started registering himself in overseas and independent leagues and tournaments.

Along with him, openers Cameron Bancroft and David Warner received bans too. While the latter is serving an year-long ban, Bancroft will be available for selection in international matches from January.  

His captain, Jason Holder, re-confirmed that the 29-year-old had a slight tear in the abdomen. He said, 'He had a slight tear and he had to go back, so it's a really unfortunate situation. He's pulled an abdominal muscle so he's out for the rest of the tournament.' Barbados’ coach Robin Singh added that the right-handed batsman was already on his way to Australia.

He had piled up 185 runs at an average of 26.4 in seven matches for the Tridents, including a match-winning knock of 63 against Jamaica Tallawahs. Post Smith’s withdrawal, there were two rounds left to play before the knockouts.

He was due to play against his banned Australian teammate David Warner on Monday as Tridents went head-to-head with St. Lucia Stars. The left-hander scored an unbeaten 42 to guide his side to a third win in 10 matches, whereas Smith’s team struggled to score runs without him in the middle.

The Jason Holder-led side take on Trinbago Knight Riders on 7 September – their final game of the season.