Australia’s gun fast bowler Mitchell Starc has decided to pull out of the ongoing T20I series due to personal reasons. Starc’s decision to pull out of the series comes after learning of his family illness. The fast bowler has been released from the bubble and the team’s head coach Justin Langer has backed Starc’s decision.

Meanwhile, Starc’s absence will add to Australia selection woes as the hosts are 0-1 down in  the three-match T20I series. Earlier, Australia had decided to rest their ace paceman Pat Cummins so that he can be fresh for the Test series. In the absence of both Cummins and Starc, the onus will be on experienced Josh Hazlewood.

“There is nothing in the world more important than family and in this case, Mitch is no exception,” head coach Justin Langer said. 

“We will give Mitch all the time he needs and welcome him back into the squad with open arms whenever he feels the time is right for him and his family,” he added. 

On the other hand, Starc had missed the third and final ODI against Australia due to a niggle but he had made a roaring comeback in the first T20I at Manuka Oval, Canberra. Starc had scalped two wickets in the first match and he had conceded 34 runs in his four overs.

The left-hander had bowled a fine outswinger to Shikhar Dhawan, to get Australia’s first wicket. Furthermore, he also took Washington Sundar’s wicket in the death overs.

Thus, Starc had returned back to form and his absence will be a huge blow for Australia. In fact, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh and Ashton Agar have already been ruled out of the T20I series.

Starc should be back into the team for the Test series and he is going to hold the key for the hosts. The lanky pacer has an immaculate record in the Day-Night Test matches.

The first Test match will take place at Adelaide Oval from 17 December.