India vs Australia 2018-19: Mitchell Starc Replaces Injured Billy Stanlake For Third T20I

Australia have recalled Mitchell Starc to replace injured pacer Billy Stanlake for the third T20I against India in Sydney.

Mitchell Starc could play his first T20I since September 2016 and his first at home since 2014 after an injury to Billy Stanlake saw him getting call for the crucial third T20I against India. Stanlake was omitted from Australia’s playing XI for the second T20I at the last moment. The fast-bowler had strained his ankle during a warm-up just before the game.

Starc recently turned up for NSW Bkues in their impressive win over Queensland in the Sheffield Shield. He was likely to sit out his state’s next assignment in order to prepare for the four-Test series against India. However, an injury to Stanlake has changed the plans.

Stanlake, on the other hand, is likely to return to action in the Big Bash League with the Adelaide Strikers.

Stanlake’s injury was initially not thought to be serious but scans on Saturday showed enough for medical staff to rule him out of the third match.

Nathan Coulter-Nile had replaced him in the playing eleven at the last moment.

Meanwhile, Australia continue to lead the series 1-0 after persistent rain washed out the second T20I in Melbourne on Friday. The rain arrived heavily in the 19th over of the Australian innings, forcing players to leave. Following that, the players never returned to the field before the umpires called off the game, denying India a chance of levelling the series and Australia an opportunity to win the series.

The abandonment also ended India’s seven-series winning run in T20Is. India can now at best only draw the series. The Men in Blue were well on top before rain played spoilsport.  Right from the start till the rains arrived, India never allowed Australia to score freely. Consequently, Australia were reeling at 132 for 7 at the end of the 19th over.

Australia T20 squad for third T20I:

Aaron Finch (c), Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.