(Cricket news) The star Aussie all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has been ruled out of Australia’s upcoming series against New Zealand. Stoinis had a back issue during the series against West Indies and will not be a part of Australia’s final T20I series before the World Cup. Aaron Hardie has been called in the squad as his replacement.

The all-rounder tweaked his back during the warm-ups ahead of the 2nd T20I against the West Indies. However, he featured in the game and had an important role to play both, with the bat and the ball. He was a part of the crucial 80-run stand alongside Maxwell and also clinched three wickets in the game.

Stoinis, however was rested for the third T20I and has subsequently been ruled out of the T20I series against New Zealand having not fully resolved the back complaint. He is now expected to feature for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL later next month.

Aaron Hardie his replacement is currently playing a Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania in Hobart for his team Western Australia. He will join the Aussies squad before the opening match of the series.

Another all-rounder Cameron Green was not considered for the T20s, as the selectors are preferring him for the red-ball game. He will now feature in the IPL, were he’ll play for the Royal Challengers Bangalore and will try to push his name forward for a place in the World Cup squad.

Australia’s squad for T20Is against New Zealand: Mitchell Marsh (c), Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Aaron Hardie

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