LONDON: Australia have called up left-arm quick Mitchell Starc into their squad for Tuesday’s fifth and final one-day international against England, it was announced on Sunday.
The 22-year-old, already in England where he has been performing well for county side Yorkshire, was drafted in after both fast bowler Brett Lee and seam bowling all-rounder Shane Watson suffered calf injuries in a thumping eight wicket-loss on Saturday.
Watson bowled just one over before leaving the field while Lee went off two balls into his second spell.
Australia’s latest heavy defeat gave England a series-winning 3-0 lead after Wednesday’s match in Birmingham was washed out without a ball bowled.
“We have called up Mitchell Starc as cover because we are still assessing the two injured players,” an Australia team spokesman said.
Prior to Saturday’s match, Australia had seen teenage quick Pat Cummins return home early from the tour with a side strain while left-arm quick Mitchell Johnson was suffering soreness in his right foot.
Starc, who is due to join up with Australia after playing for Yorkshire in a domestic Twenty20 match on Sunday, has taken nine wickets in his seven one-day internationals at an average of just over 30 apiece. (AFP)