Australia have named a 16-man squad for the upcoming limited-overs tour of India, scheduled to begin with the first T20I on February 24 in Visakhapatnam.
Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc, player-of-the-match after collecting 10 wickets in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Canberra this week, has been ruled out of the T20I and ODI tour of India with a ‘substantial’ muscle tear.
“Unfortunately, scans have revealed that Mitchell Starc sustained a substantial tear to his left pec muscle while bowling on the final day of the Test match in Canberra,” Australia national selector Trevor Hohns said in a statement on Thursday.
Australia will play two T20Is and five ODIs against India, who won last month’s 50-over series between the two teams 2-1.
Starc’s fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood is still sidelined with a back injury, with Kane Richardson and Nathan Coulter-Nile to get their chances.
“Kane has been in outstanding form over the summer, including his recent performances in the Big Bash League,” said Hohns.
“Kane not only has experience playing ODI cricket for Australia, but he’s also performed well for his country when given the opportunity.
“Nathan Coulter-Nile provides us with another quality bowling option,” he added.
“He brings good energy in the field and can also score runs in high-pressure situations.”
Ashton Turner, who has played three T20Is, was also named in the squad.
“I’d also like to congratulate Ashton Turner on his selection in the squad. Ashton has been on our radar for some time, given his performances in the shorter formats,” Hohns said.
“Ashton is a smart cricketer who reads the game well and provides us with another strong batting option.
“He’s been in good form over the summer, and he has an opportunity to put his case forward ahead of the World Cup.”
Australia squad for India tour:
Aaron Finch (c), Pat Cummins (vc), Alex Carey (vc), Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Peter Handscomb, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Turner, Adam Zampa.
