Kolkata, majority-owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, subsequently said that his "release has been carried out following due process and consultations".

It is understood the Italian's exit came after he informed the club he had held talks with City.

Stokes said England also needed more time, but admitted no one really knew how the wicket would play despite captains and coaches pretending they did.

Kyrgios could yet be offered a wildcard to play singles at the Australian Open this month.

Wawrinka is competing in Perth for the first time in his long career and needed to battle for nearly three and a half hours to defeat an opponent a decade his junior.