Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon left out of India, South Africa T20Is

Paceman Mitchell Starc, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh and off-spin bowler Nathan Lyon have all been left out of Australia’s 13-man squad for the T20I series against South Africa and India.

This move orchestrated by Cricket Australia is believed to have been made keeping in mind the rest required by these cricketers ahead of the crucial home test series against India. Also joining the list is Peter Siddle, who is one of the most experienced members of the attack. Instead, the Australian cricket board is keen on having these four gear up for the much-awaited Test series by competing in the Sheffield Shield.

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“We know coming off the back of the tour to the UAE, a huge summer at home, and the World Cup and Ashes just around the corner that we have to get the balance right between playing our best T20 team and preparing for the upcoming Test series,” Australia head coach Justin Langer said, as quoted by a release on Thursday.

“While I know all four have a desire to be playing cricket for Australia in every format, with a really tough Test series against India coming up, we believe their best preparation is to go back and get some really good cricket under their belts in the Sheffield Shield,” he added.

Starc’s role in the bowling line-up would thus be taken up by speedster Jason Behrendorff. The bowling attack would comprise the likes of Nathan Coulter-Nile and Billy Stanlake. Also, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis returns to the squad.

Australia’s T20 squad: Aaron Finch (c), Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, D ‘Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa