Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of today’s second Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka due to a finger injury.
Australia will be forced into at least one change for tonight’s game in Colombo with Starc ruled out due to a bizarre finger mishap.
Starc slit the index finger of his bowling hand on his shoe spike during the opening over of the Australia’s 10-wicket win in the series opener.
The left-armer required on-field treatment after the sixth delivery of the match – which was a leg-side wide – but managed to complete the over and his four-over spell where he collected 3-26.
The 32-year-old was allowed tape on his finger last night as the injury occurred during the match.
Starc’s injury opens the door for Jhye Richardson’s return to international cricket.
Selectors could also opt to play a second spinner in Mitchell Swepson, although recent monsoon rain in Colombo has resulted in conditions more suited to fast bowling.
Sean Abbott, who played both white-ball formats during the Pakistan tour earlier this year, was the other reserve quick in Australia’s T20 squad but has returned home after breaking a finger while batting in the nets.
The second game of the series is scheduled to get underway at 7pm at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
