SL v AUS 2022: Mitchell Starc ruled out of second T20I due to bizarre finger injury

Starc picked up a rather bizarre injury during the series opener in Colombo on June 7.

By Salman Anjum - 08 Jun, 2022

Mitchell Starc will not feature in Australia's second T20I against Sri Lanka after picking up a rather bizarre injury during the series opener in Colombo on Tuesday (June 7).

Despite the injury in the first T20I, Starc managed to complete his quota of four overs, returning with the figures of 3/26.

The left-arm pacer suffered the injury in the opening over of the match. The game came to a halt after the last ball of the over as Starc looked in discomfort and needed treatment.

See Also: “Helped spark his return to form”, Warner says after Finch's blazing 61* in first T20I

Later, a report published in cricket.com.au revealed that Mitchell Starc had slit the index finger of his bowling hand on his own shoe spike during the opening over.

Since the injury occurred during the match, Starc was allowed tape on his finger but the same can't be done for the second T20I.

"It was a strange one," said Hazlewood after the game about Starc's injury. "Once his left leg came back through, he clipped it on the spike, so he's got a little cut on his bowling finger. He was allowed to strap it tonight being an external blow in this game (but) can't strap it (Wednesday) night so that might cause a few problems."

Coming to the match, Australia registered a thumping 10-wicket victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-T20I series.

Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka’s innings folded for a paltry 128 in 19.3 overs. Hazlewood starred with the ball for the tourists, returning with the figures of 4 for 16 in his four overs.

In reply, Australia got over the line with 6 overs to spare as the duo of David Warner (70* off 44 balls) and skipper Aaron Finch (61* off 40 balls) put on an unbeaten 134-run stand for the opening wicket.

The second T20I is scheduled to take place in Colombo on Wednesday (June 8).

(With cricket.com.au inputs)

By Salman Anjum - 08 Jun, 2022

TAGS