AUS vs SA: Why is Mitchell Starc Not Playing Today’s Australia vs South Africa 3rd Test Match?

Mitchell Starc AUS vs SA: In a crucial news update, Australia’s senior speedster Mitchell Starc was not available for selection in the ongoing third and final Test match against South Africa at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. Australia secured an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the three-match Test series after picking a comprehensive innings and 182-run victory in the second Test against the Proteas. With this win, the Aussie team also guaranteed themselves a spot in the finals of the ICC World Test Championship 2023 scheduled to be played later this year.

AUS vs SA: Why is Mitchell Starc Not Playing Today’s Australia vs South Africa 3rd Test Match?

Australia’s premier fast bowler Mitchell Starc claimed figures of 2 for 39 in his 13 overs in the first innings of the second Test against South Africa before having injured his left middle finger While battling a lot of pain, the left-arm pacer did bowl as many as 18 overs in the second innings as well and picked the crucial wicket of Proteas opener Sarel Erwee. Starc has already been ruled out of the third Test match against South Africa and might not be available for selection during the opening Test match in India starting from 9 February, 2023 as he will continue to be on the sidelines for a longer period to recover completely from the injury.

On the other hand, Australia have brought back Josh Hazlewood in the playing 11 for the final Test match in Sydney and in a really surprising move, the hosts have also dropped Scott Boland. The Aussie side are playing with just two pacers in skipper Pat Cummins and Hazlewood while Nathan Lyon and Ashton Agar are the two spinners with Matt Renshaw playing his first Test match after nearly five years.

AUS Playing 11

1. David Warner
2. Usman Khawaja
3. Marnus Labuschagne
4. Steve Smith
5. Travis Head
6. Matt Renshaw
7. Alex Carey
8. Ashton Agar
9. Pat Cummins
10. Nathan Lyon
11. Josh Hazlewood

Three changes for Australia! #AUSvSA https://t.co/QZ5oboQ9n9

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2023

Australia vs South Africa Schedule