#IndiaInAustralia: Stanlake ruled out of third T20I, Starc called in
Australian pacer Billy Stanlake has been ruled out of the third and final T20I against India to be held on Sunday. The T20 star had strained his ankle ahead of the second match of the series during a warm-up session. Mitchell Starc has been called in as Stanlake's replacement. The second T20I was abandoned due to rain as Aussies led the series by 1-0.
Starc called in as Stanlake's replacement
Stanlake's injury means that Cricket Australia handed a call-up to fast bowler Mitchell Starc as cover. The left-handed pacer was rested for the T20Is, keeping the upcoming Test series in mind. It remains to be seen whether Starc plays the third T20I on Sunday or whether the Aussies go in with the same playing XI that took the field at the MCG.
Starc last played a T20I in Australia in 2014
If Starc features then it would be his first T20I on home soil since 2014. He last played a T20I in Australia against England in Sydney on February 2, 2014. Starc also last played a T20I match for the Aussies on September 9, 2016 against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Therefore, it remains to be seen how he adjusts in this format.
Finch in positive mood regarding Starc
Aussie skipper Aaron Finch said that Starc's experience in ODIs and T20Is will help the side. "Starc has got so much experience and we've seen how dominant he can be when he gets it right with the ball." Finch also went on to add that an outing in the third T20I could help Starc to prepare for the Test series.
Starc's preparations will be really good: Finch
"We'll have a look at the wicket this afternoon and discuss the side but coming straight off a Shield game with an eye on the first Test, his preparations will be really good," said the Aussie skipper about Starc.
Stanlake has been third highest T20I wicket-taker in 2018
Stanlake has been Australia's second best bowler in T20Is this year. He picked 26 wickets and is the third highest wicket-taker in 2018. The bowler has a moderate grade ankle sprain and is likely to make a return to the Big Bash League, where he will represent Adelaide Strikers. Stanlake had figures of 1/27 in the first encounter.
Aussies lead 3-match T20I series 1-0
Australia won the first T20I by 4 runs. The second encounter was washed away and that has accounted for the hosts to keep their 1-0 lead in the 3-match series. Aussies will be keen to win the third T20I and pocket the series.
