Mitchell Starc named in Australia squad for Caribbean tour

Australia’s pace attack was given a significant boost when the selectors decided to name 24-year old Mitchell Starc in the squad. Starc has been missing from international cricket since picking up an injury in the third Test match against New Zealand at Adelaide in the fall of 2015. Mitchell Starc however, has completed the rehabilitation to fix a sinister fracture in his foot.

The 26-year old didn’t make an appearance for his country as they were disappointingly knocked out of the World T20 by hosts India. The tri-series against the West Indies and South Africa is an ideal opportunity for Starc to test his fitness ahead of Australia’s Test tour of Sri Lanka in July.

“Mitchell has progressed very well in his rehab and the medical staff is confident he will be fit to play in this series,” he said on Wednesday (March 30) after the squad for the next international assignment was announced. “It’s extremely pleasing to have a bowler of his caliber back in the side.”

“Nathan has bowled very well in the West Indies in the past and we are predicting we will see some slow, turning pitches,” Marsh said. “Adam (Zampa) has impressed us in India during the World T20 and has bowled consistently well, and with confidence, when given his opportunity.”

Travis Head, who made his mark in the most recent edition of the Big Bash League is all set to make his debut in the baggy green of Australia. In yet another shock, the selectors have gone back to wicket-keeper batsman Matthew Wade ahead of Peter Nevill. The latter was chosen ahead of Wade for the World T20.

“Travis (Head) has put in some match-winning performances in all three formats of the game this summer,” Marsh said. “He is an exciting young batsman with a bright future and if he gets his opportunity, I have no doubt he will make the most of it.”

AUSTRALIAN SQUAD: Steve Smith (c), David Warner, George Bailey, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, John Hastings, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa