Mitchell Johnson to miss start of Champions League T20 2014

Mitchell Johnson

Mitchell Johnson has been deemed unavailable for Kings XI Punjab’s opening few fixtures in the ongoing Champions League T20 competition in India owing to a sustained rib injury. The fast bowler was an integral part of the side’s success in the IPL and was named in the 15-member squad for the global T20 competition.

"Mitch had some rib pain during the recent one-day international tour of Zimbabwe," Australia team physio Alex Kountouris said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Since returning to Australia, he has had some scans that have confirmed some irritation of the tip of the rib. As such he has had a break from bowling since returning to Australia and having regular treatment to resolve the problem. He has not fully recovered as yet and will be reviewed over the next week," he further added.

The Australian played 14 matches for the IPL runner-ups this season and captured 17 wickets at 26.11 runs per dismissal. The 32-year-old left-arm seamer is the second Australian after Michael Clarke to have major fitness concerns recently.

“Due to medical advice Mitch has not been released to play in the CLT20 tournament at this time. A decision on his release to play for the Kings XI will depend on how he responds to treatment,” CA's team performance manager Pat Howard mentioned.

Australia are scheduled to play Pakistan in the UAE in October and thus it is understandable that the board wants to send their best players to compete, in the hope of regaining their World No.1 position in the ICC Test rankings.

Kings XI Punjab are expected to field Thisara Perera as the fourth foreign player along with George Bailey (c), Glenn Maxwell, and David Miller against Hobart Hurricanes on Thursday in their tournament opener.