Mitchell Starc’s Father Paul Passes Away; Bowler Pulls Out Of Sheffield Shield

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc suffered a huge personal blow as his father Paul lost his battle with cancer and passed away on Tuesday. Hence, to be with his family, the left-arm pacer has decided to pull out from the New South Wales squad ahead of their Sheffield Shield clash versus Victoria.

Cricket NSW announced the news and confirmed that the fast bowler will not be playing in this week’s Sheffield Shield match against Victoria at Bankstown Oval. Earlier in December, Starc had withdrawn from the second and third T20Is against India on compassionate grounds to be with his father who was battling cancer.

No Return Dates Set For Mitchell Starc By Cricket NSW

Mitchell Starc also has a brother Brandon, who is an Australian high jumper who won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Apart from Starc, his wife Australian women’s cricketer Alyssa Healy has also withdrawn from the NSW Breakers’ WNCL clash with Tasmania in Hobart tomorrow. It is unclear if she will feature in the match against South Australia on Sunday in Adelaide.

“Obviously it’s very sad, sad news. All our thoughts and prayers are going out to Mitch and his family. It’s obviously never great losing someone like that. It’s a tough time but he knows he’s got all our love and all our support from not just me but everyone here at NSW cricket and the cricket community as well. We’ll throw our arm around him and get around him,” Nathan Lyon was quoted by Cricket Australia.

Steve Smith To Also Miss The NSW V Victoria Sheffield Shield Match

Also missing the next Shield match for NSW will be Steve Smith. He complained of pain in his left elbow during the four-match Test series against India and now has pulled out of the New South Wales match against Victoria to get the issue resolved.

“I have had some pain in my elbow that’s gradually worsened since the Test against India at the SCG and it requires some rest and rehab. I am hoping I will be right to travel with the Blues to Adelaide for our games down there next week but we will have to see how it responds to treatment,” said Smith.

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