IPL 2021: Rutherford replaces Bairstow, Markram in for Malan

Dubai, Sep 11 (IANS) Sunrisers Hyderabad have named West Indies' explosive batsman Sherfane Rutherford as replacement for England's Jonny Bairstow in their squad for the UAE-leg of IPL 2021, starting next week.

England players Bairstow, Dawid Malan, and Chris Woakes have withdrawn from the IPL on Saturday, a day after India cancelled the fifth and final Test against England at Manchester because of a Covid-19 breakout in the Indian camp.

"The explosive Caribbean is now a #Riser! Sherfane Rutherford will replace Jonny Bairstow in our squad for the second phase of #IPL2021," SRH announced via their official Twitter handle.

Rutherford, also a handy right-arm medium pacer, has made 1102 runs in the T20 format at a strike rate of 138.26. He was part of the Mumbai Indians squad that won the IPL in 2020, although he did not get to play a single match. Overall, he has played seven matches for Mumbai Indians in IPL in 2019, scoring 73 runs at a strike rate of 135.18 while also picking up a wicket.

Punjab Kings replaced Malan with South Africa's Aiden Markram earlier in the day. Delhi Capitals are yet to announce a replacement for Woakes.

"Ahead of the resumption of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League, Punjab Kings today announced the inclusion of South African cricketer Aiden Markram to the squad," said Punjab Kings in a statement.

"Markram will replace Dawid Malan who is taking some time off to be with his family before the T20 World Cup and the Ashes Series," added the franchise.

According to reports in England, the three players have withdrawn to prepare for the Men's T20 World Cup next month. Playing in the OPL would mean they will be away from home for a long period as the T20 World Cup starts soon after the end of the IPL, which begins with the first match on September 19.

The news that the players reaching UAE for iPl have to undergo mandatory six days of quarantine, also may have contributed to their decision.

The three players have joined Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, and Ben Stokes as the England players to pull out of the IPL for various reasons.