All rounder Smith to boost Mumbai Indians

The powerfully-built West Indian Dwayne Smith has replaced Australian left-arm medium pacer Mitchell Johnson in the Mumbai Indians squad after the latter was ruled out of the tournament this season owing to fitness.

29-year-old Smith who hails from Barbados will now be part of the squad.

Smith's debut in the West Indies national team, back in 2003, came with the backing of none other than the Carribean legend Sir Vivian Richards, who famously said back then that there was something about the man that reminded him of his own playing days. That Smith brought his first Test century on debut needed little justification to the parallels that were being drawn.

Smith has also served the Mumbai Indians in 2008, the IPL's inaugural year and later moved on to playing for Deccan Chargers in the second season. His career in Twenty20 had received a shot in the arm after he was selected in West Indies' 15-man squad for the 2007 Twenty20 World Championship that Indian eventually won.

Back in Barbados, Smith's first class track record is impressive. He bowls useful right-arm medium-pace, is an aggressive batsman and a very athletic fielder too.

Smith is expected to join the Mumbai Indians squad on Thursday. He has also represented West Indies 'A' team, the New South Wales, English county Sussex and Bangladesh Premier League team Khulna Royals Bengal.

Smith has a natural incline towards Twenty20 and his joining Mumbai Indians will be a huge boost for the team.