Australia vs Sri Lanka: Mitchell Starc set to miss the second T20I

Australia kick-started their preparation of making their home turf a fortress leading into next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, following a commanding win over Sri Lanka. The win was set-up by David Warner’s stonewalling hundred- his first in T20Is- that helped the Aussies post their third-highest total in their history of short-form cricket.

But the second game will see Aaron Finch-men to miss out on the services of pace spearhead Mitchell Starc. Starc is set to miss the second T20I as he leaves to attend the marriage of his brother Brandon, leaving the door open for the fringe fast bowlers to put their case forward as the Aussies aim to build their side for the quadrennial event at home next year.

Mitchell Starc released from the squad

Starc has been released from the squad to attend his brother’s marriage with Cricket Australia spokesperson explaining an increased focus on family time where possible as part of the new culture set-up by Head Coach Justin Langer. Pace bolter Billy Stanlake, who missed out on the national sides’ T20I tour of India earlier this year, along with Sean Abbott, who was added to squad for the injured Andrew Tye will be vying for that elusive spot in the playing XI as the Aussies aim to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match IT20 series.

“Billy Stanlake been in the squad here (in Brisbane), home ground, he might get first crackOr else you go for the more death-bowling option of Sean Abbott.” said Pat Cummins as quoted by Cricket.com.au. Stanlake has spent almost the entirety of the off-season adding some weight to his 6’7 inch frame after his form, as well as his pace, dipped last summer.

‘Really happy for Sean Abbott’ – Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins expressed his excitement over the inclusion of Sean Abbott into the T20I set-up besides also asserting that Australia will continue using the ploy of short-pitch stuff.

“I’m really happy for Seany to get his chance. I haven’t seen a lot of him over the last 12 months but everything I keep hearing not only from the New South Wales boys but from his Aussie A tour over in England was just how well he’s been bowling; really good rhythm, really good control and you’ve seen in the Big Bash the last few years his variations. So he’s a big inclusion for the squad and hopefully he gets a chance – the good thing is he’s in great form so he’ll be ready if picked.” Cummins said as quoted by cricket.com.au

The second T20I between the hosts and Sri Lanka will be played at the Gabba on October 30th.

[interaction id=”5db2fdfe5b2f78820e8206c5″]