Starc ruled out of UAE ODI series
CRICKET: Mitchell Starc’s bid to return this month has failed because of a fresh setback, and Steve Smith and David Warner also won’t take part in Australia’s one-day international series against Pakistan.
An unchanged 15-man Australian squad has been named for the five-match series, which starts in the UAE on March 22.
Aaron Finch’s team, who are in India for a five-match ODI series, will travel directly from Delhi to Dubai next week.
Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns and coach Justin Langer were initially optimistic Starc, who injured a pectoral muscle while returning to form against Sri Lanka in early February, would join the touring party in the UAE.
“Unfortunately, Mitchell Starc’s recovery from his left pectoral muscle strain has been set back by a slight recurrence as he commenced bowling. Our focus is to have Mitch ready for the World Cup,” Hohns said.
There was better news for Kane Richardson, who was sent home from India because of a minor side strain but named in the squad for the UAE.
Smith and Warner’s yearlong bans for their role in the Cape Town cheating scandal expire later this month, making them eligible to play the final two ODIs against Pakistan on March 29 and March 31.
The gifted batsmen are set to be included in the 15-man World Cup squad if fit but elbow injuries have ruled them out of a return against Pakistan.
“Steve and David have been working through rehabilitation from elbow surgery and it has been agreed the best pathway for them to return to play is in the Indian Premier League,” Hohns said.
Smith and Warner will soon link up with Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad respectively.