Starc given compassionate leave

Star paceman Mitchell Starc will miss the remainder of Australia’s T20 series with India after being granted compassionate leave on Sunday.

Mitchell Starc won’t play the rest of the T20 series. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Star paceman Mitchell Starc will miss the remainder of Australia’s T20 series with India after being granted compassionate leave on Sunday.

Starc, who roared back to form with 2-34 in Friday night’s 11-run defeat in the T20 opener, is a late scratching for Sunday night’s game two at the SCG after learning of an illness in the family.

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

“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.”

Starc’s absence is a further blow to Australia’s fast-bowling stocks, following a previous decision to rest Pat Cummins, and an injury to seam-bowling all-rounder Marcus Stoinis.

Rising all-rounder Cameron Green was also released from the T20 squad in order to press his Test claims in the tour match between Australia A and the Indians at Drummoyne Oval.

Australia could call on Sydney Thunder talent Daniel Sams or T20 specialist Andrew Tye to support Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott and Moises Henriques, who all played in game one.