Mitchell Starc set to end two-year absence from Australian T20 team

Test paceman Mitchell Starc will likely end a two-year absence from international Twenty20 cricket after joining the Australian squad to face India at the SCG on Sunday.

Australia captain Aaron Finch confirmed Starc will replace injured quick Billy Stanlake, who has a moderate ankle sprain.

Stanlake withdrew from Friday's game at the MCG – which was ultimately abandoned due to rain – after sustaining the injury in the warm-up. His return to cricket is slated for the upcoming Big Bash League with the Adelaide Strikers.

MORE: Sri Lanka v England: Brilliant Jonny Bairstow century puts England on top

Starc hasn't played an international T20 since September 2016 (against Sri Lanka in Colombo), while his most recent appearance in the format at home was in 2014 (against England at the SCG).



The 28-year-old has played 22 T20 internationals since debuting in 2012, collecting 30 wickets with best figures of 3–11.

Starc turned out for NSW in their Sheffield Shield win over Queensland last week and wasn't expected to take part in any further matches until the first Test versus India starting December 6.

Australia go into Sunday's T20 contest with an unassailable 1–0 lead and Starc – if chosen in the final XI – will bolster their chances of securing a series victory.

After news broke that Starc had been drafted into Australia's side, India skipper Virat Kohli reportedly forced his men to complete two unarranged training sessions as they look to avoid defeat.