SL vs AUS: Mitchell Starc To Miss Second T20I After Bizarre Finger Mishap

Australia pace bowler Mitchell Starc has been ruled out from the second T20I match against Sri Lanka after suffering a bizarre finger injury in the first match on Tuesday (June 7).

Starc slit the index finger of his left hand on his shoe spike during the first over of the game. The left-arm speedster received immediate medical attention at the end of the sixth ball, which was conceded as a wide delivery.

The lanky pacer managed to complete his over with a tape on the finger and also bowled his full quota of overs. Starc picked three wickets for 26 runs from four overs, dismissing Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera.

It was a strange one: Josh Hazlewood on Mitchell Starc’s injury

Hazlewood, who claimed figures 4/16 in the first T20I, said it was a strange incident for him to watch his bowling partner endure.

“It was a strange one. Once his left leg came back through, he clipped it on the spike, so he’s got a little cut on his bowling finger,” Hazlewood told Cricket.com.au.

“He was allowed to strap it tonight being an external blow in this game (but) can’t strap it (Wednesday) night so that might cause a few problems,” he added.

It was a crazy thing to come back out: David Warner on Mitchell Starc

Australia bowled out Sri Lanka for 128 in 19.3 overs as Starc and Hazlewood shared seven wickets between them. Openers Aaron Finch (61) and David Warner (70) completed the meagre score in just 14 overs without losing a wicket.

“It was a crazy thing to come back out and finish his spell and take three wickets as well,” Warner said after the match on Starc’s determination to bowl despite cutting his finger.

Australia’s medical staff will assess Starc’s finger injury and will soon update them on his availability for the final T20I on June 11.

Australia will play Sri Lanka in the second T20I on Wednesday (June 8) at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Also Read: SL vs AUS: Sean Abbott Out Of The Tour With A Finger Injury