Australian bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood have been rested for Australia’s tour of South Africa.

This decision has been taken to allow them time to refresh before the Australian summer.

National selector Rod Marsh stated,

“

Both Mitchell and Josh have had big tours of Sri Lanka and have a heavy workload ahead of them with ten Tests to be played this summer. It is important they are managed appropriately and we believe missing the tour of South Africa is the right time for them to take a break.

”

Hazlewood will be returning home immediately as he hasn’t been named in the T20 squad for the T20s against Sri Lanka.

Starc however, will play the last ODI and the two T20s and then proceed to leave.

Rod Marsh further added, “This also provides a good opportunity for some of our up-and-coming fast bowler to push for selection. With a number of bowlers currently coming back from injury, it is important for us to continue to build up a battery of quality fast-bowlers for Australia.”

Sending players home to take a break as started to become fairly regular after captain Steve Smith was also sent home from the ongoing tour to rest for the series against South Africa.

Australia are scheduled to play 5 ODIs against South Africa and a one-off ODI against Ireland later this month.

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