Starc leaves SA tour early to cheer for wife Healy
Australian cricket team pacer Mitchell Starc was released from the squad in the ongoing tour of South Africa. The decision to release him was taken so that he can return home to watch his wife and Australia Women wicket-keeper batswoman Alyssa Healy play. Australia are set to face India Women in the finale on Sunday, March 8. Here's more.
We were happy to allow him to return home: Langer
Starc will miss the third ODI against the Proteas in Potchefstroom. This is the last game of the series. Australia are currently trailing 0-2. "It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for Mitch to watch Alyssa in a home World Cup final," said Justin Langer. "We were happy to allow him to return home to support his wife and be part of a fantastic occasion."
Starc hasn't been at his best in ODIs of late
Starc hasn't quite had the run in ODIs of late. After a quite series against India earlier this year, the left-arm pacer claimed three wickets in the first two ODIs. However, he has conceded at a higher rate over the last five ODI matches. Starc has 178 wickets in 90 ODIs at an average of 22.03.
Healy will want to make her presence felt against India
Starc's wife Healy has registered two fifties in the ongoing ICC World T20. She started her campaign with a 51-run knock against India and then slammed 83 against Bangladesh Women. The 29-year-old Healy is an integral part of the side and has been highly influential in the 20-over format. She will look to have an influence against India in the final.
Healy is the second-highest run-scorer for Australia in T20Is
Healy has featured in 111 T20Is in a splendid career so far. She has amassed 1,985 runs at 28.41. Healy has one hundred and 11 fifties under her belt. She is the 11th-highest run-scorer in the format. Notably, she has also amassed the second-most runs for Australia after Meg Lanning (2,772).