Blow to AUS: Star pacer ruled out of IND series

Australia have received a major blow ahead of the ODI and T20I series against India. Experienced pace bowler Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of the series due to an injury and the team management have included Kane Richardson in the team as his replacement.

Starc may return for ODI series against PAK: Hohns

National selector Trevor Hohns stated that 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.

He noted that the pacer will be unavailable for the tour of India, but they will instead target a return to play for the ODI series against Pakistan in the UAE in March.

Hohns explained that Kane has been in outstanding form over the summer, including his recent performances in the BBL. He feels that Kane not only has experience playing ODI cricket for Australia, but he’s also performed well for his country when given the opportunity.

JUST IN: Australia name squad for limited-overs tour of India: https://t.co/jLe1o34RIf #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/O2OAks6RAe

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 7, 2019

Siddle, Marsh dropped; Turner, Coultner-Nile returns

Meanwhile Australia have recalled pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile and have dropped Peter Siddle while in the batting department Ashton Turner has replaced Mitchell Marsh.

Speaking about this Hohns said that Peter Siddle and Mitch Marsh are unfortunate to miss out, but their message throughout the summer remains true, with such a big schedule ahead opportunities may well present themselves.

He noted that Nathan Coulter-Nile provides them with another quality bowling option, he brings good energy in the field and can also score runs in high-pressure situations

Hohns explained that Ashton has been on their radar for some time, given his performances in the shorter formats. According to Hohns, Ashton is a smart cricketer who reads the game well and provides them with another strong batting option.

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Australia’s squad for India tour

Aaron Finch (capt), Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Ashton Turner, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa, D’Arcy Short (as cover for Shaun Marsh)