World Twenty20: Craig Kieswetter to replace injured Luke Wright in England squad
England all-rounder Luke Wright has been ruled out of the World Twenty20 with a side strain.
Last Updated: 22/03/14 11:57am
The 29-year-old will be replaced in the squad by Somerset wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter.
Wright has been carrying the injury to his right side since arriving in Bangladesh and it was decided he would not be fit to play in the tournament on Saturday morning - just hours before England's Group 1 opener against New Zealand.
Speaking to Sky Sports News before departing Bangladesh, Wright said: "I just felt something go, and I knew right then it was my World Cup gone.
"I've been very lucky to be involved in so many World Cups. It really hurts (to miss this one) but you just have to move on, and I wish Craig Kieswetter all the best."
Fellow all-rounders Joe Root (broken thumb) and Ben Stokes (broken wrist) have already been forced to drop out of the original 15-man squad due to injury.
Kieswetter, a key part of England's surprise 2010 success in the World Twenty20, is expected to arrive in Chittagong on Monday and should be available for the three remaining Super 10 matches.
Nomination
Wright had appeared set for a big role in the competition when he enjoyed a prolific spell with Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League, scoring 275 and becoming the only non-Australian to earn a player-of-the-tournament nomination.
But he has struggled since his return to England colours, scoring one, nought, nought and seven not out in two one-day and two T20 appearances on the tour of West Indies.
Kieswetter, who made the last of his 25 appearances in the format in September 2012 during the previous World Twenty20, was also involved in the BBL with Brisbane Heat.
Any squad changes must be approved by the International Cricket Council's technical committee, which confirmed: "The ICC has confirmed that the Event Technical Committee of the ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014 has approved Craig Kieswetter as a replacement player for Luke Wright in the England men's squad for the tournament, which runs until 6 April.
"Wright has a right side strain and, therefore, has been ruled out of the tournament."
Wright will now return home to attend the birth of his first child, and he said: "There are always more important things than just cricket. Family comes first and my wife's delighted.
"Hopefully I'll be sat with my new baby watching the boys lift the trophy."
Watch England play New Zealand on Sky Sports HD 2 from 13.00 on Saturday