'They've dropped the wrong pacer' - Netizens bemused after Australia drop Mitchell Starc for Afghanistan encounter

A do-or-die encounter for Australia as they step onto the Adelaide Oval for the important game against Afghanistan and a win here might not be enough for them to progress into the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2022. The defending champions suffered a heavy loss at the hands of New Zealand in their first encounter in the Super 12 stage and their net run rate took a hit in that game.  

Despite winning two of their next three games, Australia’s poor net run rate has left their hopes in jeopardy. The Men in Gold and Green are currently at the third position on the points table with five points and they will need a huge win against Afghanistan to have any chances of making the knockouts.  

Australia make three changes in the line-up

Australia have made a bold decision by dropping one of their premier pacers in Mitchell Starc for the Afghanistan fixture while adding Kane Richardson into the mix. Starc has taken three wickets in three innings so far in the tournament and the left-arm quick did take a hammering in the previous game against Ireland at the hands of Lorcan Tucker.

Richardson has done a fine job whenever he has got the chance and his impressive outing in the warm-up games perhaps led to his inclusion.  

Another massive decision made by Australia has been to replace Tim David with Steve Smith. David was fast-tracked into the squad after his prolific performance around the world in the format however, his performances have been below par in the tournament. The youngster scored 11 and an unbeaten 15 in the two innings which has not helped his cause.  

Skipper Aaron Finch who found his form in the last two games has missed out due to a hamstring injury while Cameron Green has found a place in the playing XI. Matthew Wade will lead the side in Finch’s absence and Twitterati came up with surprising reactions to Australia's decision to drop Starc and David for the Afghanistan encounter.  

Here's how the Twitter reacted to the decision:

Starc dropped and Kane Richardson in. Bold call from Australia but the right one nevertheless. Though might have come a little too late for Australia as far as this WC is concerned.#AUSvAFG https://t.co/DIA7vIhukl

— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) November 4, 2022

Aussie team no Mitchell Starc. Is he injured or dropped.?

— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) November 4, 2022

Mitchell Starc dropped or just miss the team bus? #AUSvAFG #ICCT20WorldCup

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) November 4, 2022

David & Starc are two big misses for a game that Australia need to win big although Green could somewhat make up for that. Afghanistan choosing to chase diverts from their usual method but they may feel asking Australia to go hard is their best route to winning. #T20WorldCup

— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) November 4, 2022

Mitchell Starc dropped in a must-win game#T20WorldCup

— Anuj Nitin Prabhu 🏏 (@APTalksCricket) November 4, 2022

No benefit for skipping #IPL , sorry #starc

— Sumo (@sumo_pehlawan) November 4, 2022

Cummins batting probably saved him.

— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) November 4, 2022

They've dropped the wrong pacer 🥴

— Narbavi (@Narbavi) November 4, 2022