Kolkata, May 12 (IANS): Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have roped in Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait as replacement for his compatriot John Hastings for the remainder of the ninth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Hastings, who was earlier ruled out following an injury to his left ankle, had played two matches for the Shah Rukh Khan-co-owned franchise. The all-rounder went under the knife after returning to Australia.

Welcoming the lanky pacer, KKR CEO Venky Mysore confirmed the news on Twitter.

"Pleasure to welcome @shaun_tait32 to @KKRiders family. Welcome Taity!" Mysore wrote on Thursday.

The Gautam Gambhir-led franchise is Tait's second team in the cash-rich tournament after having been a part of now-banned Rajasthan Royals in the previous editions.

Tait, who last played for Australia in the T20 series against India in January, went unsold in the IPL player auction in February. 

The 33-year-old's inclusion in the third-ranked KKR will bolster the bowling department comprising Andre Russell, Morne Morkel, Umesh Yadav and Jason Holder.