Dashing middle order batsman Mohammad Kaif has been ruled out of the One-Day International triangular series, involving India, Australia and Zimbabwe, in Australia, from January 9.

Kaif, who was included in the 16-member team, announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India on December 28, is nursing a thumb injury a top BCCI source revealed in Mumbai on Friday.

India 'A' coach Sandeep Patil and Dr Vaibhav Daga referred Kaif to renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr Anant Joshi, who, after examining of the affected thumb, declared him unfit for the tri-series, the source said.

The selectors, he added, will name a replacement in a couple of days.

The middle-order batsman suffered the injury during a league match in the recently-concluded Kenstar Asian 'A' teams' limited-overs championship, in Kolkata, which was won by Sri Lanka.