Australia have adopted a cautious approach ahead of their men's T20 World Cup title defence, with Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh, and Marcus Stoinis left out of the upcoming T20I tour of India with what have been termed “low-level injuries".
While Marsh was ruled out of the second and third ODIs against Zimbabwe as well as the three ODIs against New Zealand because of an ankle injury, Stoinis picked up a side injury during the second ODI against New Zealand. And just ahead of the squad's departure to India, Starc's injured knee was added to the list.
Nathan Ellis, Daniel and Sean Abbott have been called-up for the three-match series, with the first game taking place on September 20.
When Marsh returned home, indications were that he would be available for the India tour, but it has been decided that with the travel involved in the short trip, the trio are better off staying home.
"Selectors felt with three games in six days across three cities - including travel to India and internally - Marsh, Stoinis and Starc are best served remaining in Australia to prepare for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup," a CA statement said.
David Warner had already been rested from the tour, with Cameron Green given a chance in the T20I format, which means the team that plays in India will look rather different from Australia's first-choice World Cup side should all the injuries clear up.