Kings XI Punjab, already out of contention for a play-off berth in the ongoing Indian Premier League, have released Australian players Shaun Marsh and Mitchell Johnson to make preparations for the two-Test series in the West Indies.
Batsman Marsh and left arm pace bowler Johnson will return to Australia to commence their preparations prior to next month's tour of the West Indies featuring two Test matches at Windsor Park, Roseau, Dominica (June 3-7) and Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica (June 11-15).
"Two of our players Shaun Marsh and Mitchell Johnson have been granted permission to return home at their request for preparation of the upcoming West Indies Tour. While both the players have been of great significance to the team and contributed immensely, we respect our players' decisions. We have a fine line up in place and are hopeful of a good performance in the upcoming matches," the IPL franchise said in a statement.
Kings XI are currently languishing at the bottom of the eight-team table with just two wins from 11 games, that includes six straight losses in their last six matches.
They have two away games in hand against Sun Risers Hyderabad today and Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 13 followed by a home game against Chennai Super Kings on May 16.
