Pandya injured, Pujara scores T20 century and more - Cricket News Today, 21st February 2019

Hardik Pandya ruled out of T20I and ODI series against Australia

Hardik Pandya will miss India's upcoming series against Australia due to a stiff back

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been sidelined from the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Australia. The hard-hitting batsman will miss India's last series before the World Cup due to lower back stiffness.

Read more on Hardik Pandya's injury and Ravindra Jadeja's inclusion here

The Indian selectors have not named a replacement for Pandya for the two-match T20I series. However, they have called up left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja to replace the seaming all-rounder for the five-match ODI series.

Pandya's injury means India will not be able to decide on their first-choice ODI lineup even as the 2019 World Cup looms large. In the absence of the Baroda cricketer, Vijay Shankar is now the only seam bowling all-rounder in the squad.

The first T20I between India and Australia is slated to be held on February 24 in Visakhapatnam.