Shaun Tait to miss IPL 2009 by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

SW Tait

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DateLine: 18th April 2009

 

Shaun Tait has become the latest Australian to be withdrawn from the IPL after Cricket Australia were unwilling to gamble on his health ahead of the World Twenty20. His manager said the decision was "very disappointing" for Tait, who was expected to be part of the Rajasthan Royals campaign, which begins on Saturday. Tait hasn't played since Australia's one-day international against New Zealand in Perth on February 1 as he faced a long recovery from a tear to his left hamstring but he believed he had returned to near full fitness. He was named in Australia's 30-man preliminary squad for the World Twenty20, which begins in England in June, but now faces further time on the sidelines in the lead-up.

 

It will be a costly few weeks for Tait, who will miss out on the US$375,000 that Rajasthan bid for him this year. But Cricket Australia has taken a cautious approach to the devastating fast bowler they believe can spearhead them to victory in the World Twenty20. Tait has had hamstring trouble before and has also had significant shoulder and elbow problems over the years. His withdrawal could mean extra work for his fellow Australian and World Twenty20 aspirant Shane Harwood, who has been signed by the Rajasthan Royals this season.

 

Tait joins a long list of Australians who will be sitting out of this year's IPL, including Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey, who withdrew because they felt they needed a rest after their long summer. Mitchell Johnson and Michael Clarke declined to nominate for the auction.