Mitchell Starc Pulls Out From India T20Is Due To Family Illness

Fast-bowler Mitchell Starc has withdrawn himself from Australia’s squad for the remainder of the T20I series against India. The left-arm pacer has decided to skip the two games due to a family illness, Cricket Australia said in a statement just hours before the start of the second T20I in Sydney.

Having arrived in Sydney from Canberra on Saturday, Mitchell Starc left the team bubble after learning of the family illness. As of now, there is no confirmation about his availability for the Australian team. Australia’s Test squad is due to link up in Adelaide next week ahead of the opening match of the series, beginning December 17.

“There is nothing in the world more important than family and in this case, Mitch is no exception,” head coach Justin Langer said in a statement. “We will give Mitch all the time he needs and welcome him back into the squad with open arms whenever he feels the time is right for him and his family.”

Mitchell Starc had also missed the third and final ODI of the three-match series against Indies due to a rib niggle but recovered in time for the first T20I. His  withdrawal is the latest change to Australia’s limited-overs squad squad in the past week. David Warner and Ashton Agar have been ruled out with injury while Pat Cummins was given a short break to prepare for the Test series.

Marcus Stoinis, on the other hand, is sidelined with a side injury although he is still with the squad. Earlier Australia added D’Arcy Short, Mitch Swepson and Nathan Lyon to the squad. With Mitchell Starc out, Andrew Tye is likely to get a chance in Australia’s playing eleven. Daniel Sams could make his debut too.

Meanwhile, Australia skipper Aaron Finch is also doubtful for the crucial second T20I after he picked up an injury during the first T20I. Australia are trailing the series after losing the series-opener and will have to win the second game to keep the three-match series alive.

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