Australia pacer Mitchell Starc entered a training session at the Pallekele Stadium ahead of the five-match One Day International series against Sri Lanka but it is unlikely he will be part of the playing XI for the opener later on Tuesday, despite Its that the host team is very less. of fast bowlers.
The reason he was dropped is because the injured forefinger of the bowling hand is still taped and international. Cricket A report in cricket.com.au said on Tuesday that ICC’s rules “barred him from playing opening matches”.
Australia’s fast bowling stock on the tour has been badly depleted due to injuries to four players in the span of a week. And even if Starc is fit for the game, Australia will not be allowed to play one of their best 50-over bowlers, the report said.
The 32-year-old pacer suffered a severe injury to the index finger of his left bowling hand in the opening over of the T20I series. He subsequently did not play the remaining T20Is and, while the injury had recovered somewhat and could be fit to bowl with a taped finger, the rules of the game’s global governing body forbid it.
Under ICC laws, “hand or finger protection may be worn only with the consent of the umpires”, the report states, “Under the Guidance Note for Match Officials issued by the International Cricket Council, umpires are very much required to Taking a stern approach. Taping on bowlers and the fingers of the bowling hand is effectively illegal.”
Australia were planning to play three fast bowlers Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Test captain Pat Cummins in the first ODI to put pressure on the opposition from the very first match, but given the situation, they will have to look for Starc’s replacement.
“It’s definitely (a) testing (situation),” said captain Aaron Finch. He said Starc and Mitchell Marsh are likely to be available from the third ODI.
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