Follow UsAustralia batter Steve Smith has been ruled out of the upcoming limited-overs series against Pakistan after experiencing discomfort in his left elbow.
Australia have opted for the services of legspinner Mitchell Swepson, who made his Test debut in the tour, as Smith's replacement.
"It's disappointing to miss these matches against Pakistan but after chatting with the medical staff I can see the need to take a break at this time. I do not regard this as a major issue but by staying on top of things now, we can ensure that it doesn't become something more significant further down the line," Smith said on Saturday.
Smith had previously suffered with pain in his left elbow last year which ruled him out of the West Indies and Bangladesh tours. However, the batter returned to feature in the T20 World Cup in UAE.
He will now fly back to Australia with Pat Cummins, David Warner, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc who were all rested for the white-ball series beginning on Tuesday with the first ODI.
With Australia set to tour Sri Lanka in June for a three-format series, Australia's chairman of selectors George Bailey felt resting Smith as a precaution will be helpful in the long run.
"With the significant amount of cricket to come over the next 18 months, and the fact he has had an issue with the same elbow previously, it is appropriate for Steve to return home at the end of the Test series in Pakistan," Bailey said.
"We have decided to include Mitchell Swepson in the white ball squad because it will offer us additional options in the bowling department on surfaces that may well assist spinners," he added on Swepson, who has played seven T20Is for Australia and claimed 11 wickets.
All the three ODIs and the lone T20I between Pakistan and Australia will be played in Lahore on March 29, 31, April 2 and 5.
Australia squad: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Ben McDermott, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Adam Zampa