IPL gig cancelled for Aussie three

Shane Watson's shunt up the order paid off with runs but he will not showcase them in the IPL

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Australia trio Shane Watson, James Hopes and Nathan Bracken will not play in the latter stages of the Indian Premier League after succumbing to injuries.

Watson, who had been a revelation at the top of the order during the series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, will fly to Australia today after suffering a groin injury during his team's loss in the only Twenty20 international in Dubai.

Watson was injured while compiling 33 from 14 deliveries in Australia's seven-wicket loss and did not take to the field during the Pakistan run chase.

"Shane has suffered a mild groin strain while batting. He will return home for scans and rehabilitation and his condition will be reviewed over the coming weeks to determine his availability for the ICC World Twenty20 in the United Kingdom," Cricket Australia team doctor Trefor James said.

Watson was named player of the Indian Premier League last year after leading the Rajasthan Royals to the inaugural title.

Hopes, who was aiming to play with the Kings XI Punjab, and Bracken, who would have turned out for the Bangalore Royal Challengers, will also return home early due to ongoing injury complaints after both played against Pakistan.

"James Hopes and Nathan Bracken have existing knee problems and it has been decided that a period of rest and rehabilitation over the next two to three weeks will be the best preparation for both players ahead of the ICC World Twenty20 in the United Kingdom," James said.

"With the amount of cricket the one-day international players have played since early January this year and given the Australian team's schedule for the next 12 months, it is important we continue to manage player workloads and injury concerns."

All-rounders Andrew Symonds (Deccan Chargers) and David Hussey (Kolkata Knight Riders), and paceman Brett Lee (Kings XI Punjab), have been cleared to play in South Africa.