Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood likely to miss out on India tour

Australia is scheduled to tour India for a 2-match T20I and 5-match ODI series, slated to begin from February 24

Ace Australian quick Mitchell Starc’s is likely to be sidelined from the upcoming limited-overs tour of India. He has sustained a soft tissue injury which may restrict his participation in the 2-match T20I and 5-match ODI series, slated to begin from February 24. Starc's absence is expected to hit Australia's preparations for the upcoming ICC World Cup in England and Wales.

While the touring party is expected to be announced on Thursday, Australia's problems were compounded with Josh Hazlewood who is also expected to miss the tour as he recovers from a back injury picked up in the Test series against India.

But on a positive note, former skipper Steve Smith may return to the national side after serving his ban. Smith, who underwent surgery on his elbow last month, is required to spend six weeks with his right arm in a brace, according to his manager Warren Craig.

“Until the brace comes off we don't know for sure but all current opinion is that he'll then have about three and a half weeks (before being ready to play),” Craig said.

“The intent is that he will play in the IPL and then the World Cup and then the Ashes,” he added.

Smith and his former deputy David Warner will become eligible for international selection again on March 29 after serving their year-long bans.

Having lost their past six bilateral series, the Kangaroos last won an overseas series in mid-2016 when they beat Sri Lanka.