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Australian speedster Mitchell Starc has withdrawn his name from New South Wales' match against Victoria in the Sheffield Shield. This announcement was followed by the demise of his father Paul who passed away on Tuesday after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Along with Starc, wife Alyssa Healy has also withdrawn her name from the New South Wales team from the next two Women's National Cricket League fixtures. Starc had earlier taken leave during the limited-overs series against India to spend time with family.
Steve Smith pulls out as elbow issues flare up again
Former Australian captain Steve Smith has also pulled out from the New South Wales-Victoria match starting Thursday, February 25 at the Bankstown Oval. The decision was announced after his elbow issue flared up. The right-handed batter is hoping to recover before the upcoming matches in the tournament.
“I have had some pain in my elbow that’s gradually worsened since the Test against India at the SCG and it requires some rest and rehab,” quoted Smith. “I am hoping I will be right to travel with the Blues to Adelaide for our games down there next week but we will have to see how it responds to treatment,” he added.
Smith, who was released by the Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2021, was snapped by the Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi Capitals at a price of INR 2.2 crores. Ahead of the upcoming edition, Smith said that he is excited to join the Delhi Capitals squad this year. He added that it is a great squad of players with a great coach in Ricky Ponting. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson has replaced Smith as the captain in the Rajasthan Royals.
Warner eyes comeback in March, Cummins to make first appearance
While David Warner won't be available owing to his groin injury, he confirmed to be eyeing a comeback for New South Wales'. Warner is hoping to return for a match against South Australia in the Marsh Cup on March 4 in Adelaide. In addition, Pat Cummins is set to make his first appearance of the season. However, Josh Hazlewood being given some rest.
However, Jason Sangha, who represented Australia in the 2018 U-19 World Cup, has been added to the New South Wales' squad as a replacement for Starc and Smith.