Kings XI Punjab release Australian pair

The Kings XI Punjab have decided to release Mitchell Johnson and Shaun Marsh from their Indian Premier League contracts.

The decision has been taken following the team's failure to qualify for the playoffs.

Bowler Johnson took just nine wickets at an average of 37.33, while Marsh contributed 81 runs with the bat.

The Australian pair will now fly home, where they will begin preparations for their country's upcoming tours of the West Indies and England.

Kings XI are bottom of the IPL table, having won just two of their 11 matches.