Cricket Australia stops Tait from playing in IPL

“Sources say Tait declared himself fit a fortnight ago,but CA refused to give him a clean bill of health,” ‘The Australian’ reported on Saturday.

The Royals,who apart from Watson are also missing last IPL’s top bowler Sohail Tanvir,bought Tait for USD 350,000 in the auction.

Tait’s manager Andrew McRitchie said the CA’s decision was “very disappointing” as Tait had been making good progress in rehabilitation.

“The IPL was the only chance to prove his fitness before the squad for the Twenty20 World Cup was picked. How he proves that now,I don’t know,” McRitchie was quoted as saying by the daily.

“The excitement of playing alongside Warnie and (for) defending champions Rajasthan was definitely something that has been at the forefront of his mind. The Royals have been exceptionally understanding and they know that Taity is a long-term prospect for them. Whilst (he remains) a (CA) contracted player he will play by their rules,and Taity understands that,” McRitchie added.

Tait,who is nursing a left hamstring tear,joins skipper Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey,who withdrew showing need of rest after a long summer. Earlier,Mitchell Johnson and Michael Clarke declined to be even nominated for the auction.

“There are no guarantees,but Taity will do whatever he can to not only get passed fit but hopefully spearhead the Aussies to Twenty20 World Cup success,” the manager said.