It is confirmed that Australia’s star paceman Mitchell Starc will leave South Africa’s tour early to watch wife Alyssa Healy in the Women T20 World Cup tournament decider.
Australian cricket has given Starc permission to depart the Qantas Tour of South Africa early in time to attend Women’s World Cup final at MCG on Sunday.
The left-arm will leave South Africa and miss the third and final one-day International in Potchefstroom on Saturday.
Alyssa Healy will be a part of Australia’s squad that will clash against India at the MCG, in front of an expected crowd of 90,000-plus. They have won the world cup 4 times. With Australia down 2-0 in the three-match series, Starc’s absence will provide a chance for one of Josh Hazlewood, Jhye Richardson, and Kane Richardson to earn a spot in the XI.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance for Mitch to watch Alyssa in a home World Cup Final and so we were happy to allow him to return home to support his wife and be part of a fantastic occasion,” Australia coach Justin Langer said.
Mitchell Starc to leave South Africa early to watch Alyssa Healy in T20 World Cup final 😍
Come on now, #FillTheMCG #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/5Qqgkdoctp
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) March 6, 2020
“It is something we have been talking about for a while and, given Mitch has had a considerable workload in all three formats this summer, his heading home a couple of days ahead of the rest of the squad means he will have a chance to refresh ahead of our home and away one-day internationals and Twenty20 internationals against New Zealand that will wrap up our season.
“We have plenty of fast bowling options with us here in South Africa with Josh Hazlewood, Jhye Richardson and Kane Richardson all sitting out our previous match in Bloemfontein and Mitch’s absence will offer one of them an opportunity to impress in Saturday’s match.” coach concluded.
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