Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait has joined Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders for the rest of the season, replacing compatriot John Hastings who returned home with an ankle injury.

Tait, who went unsold in auctions held in February for IPL teams, joins a long list of Australian players taking part in the latest edition of the cash-rich league.

"Pleasure to welcome @shaun_tait32 to @KKRiders family. Welcome Taity!," Kolkata chief executive Venky Mysore wrote on Twitter.

The 33-year-old speedster will join fellow Australians Chris Lynn and Brad Hogg at KKR, which is in a strong position to qualify for the playoffs.

Tait is set for a second IPL stint after previously representing the former Rajasthan Royals, where he picked up 23 wickets at an average of 27.82 in 21 matches.