Mitchell Starc leaves South Africa tour early to cheer for wife Alyssa Healy in T20 World Cup final

Australia premier pacer Mitchell Starc will miss the third and final ODI against South Africa in Potchefstroom to watch his wife Alyssa Healy play the ICC Women’s Twenty20 World CupWorld CupWorld Cup final against India on Sunday. Wicketkeeper-batter Healy will be a part of Australia’s team which will take on an in-form Indian side at the MCG. The four-time champion home team would be aiming to defend the title against the first-time finalists India.

Australia men’s team, who are currently on a tour to South Africa, is 0-2 down in the three-match ODI series. They will play for pride in the final match of the series. Head coach Justin Langer said the team is happy to release the left-arm fast bowler for ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’.

“It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for Mitch to watch Alyssa in a home World Cup final and so we were happy to allow him to return home to support his wife and be part of a fantastic occasion,” Australia men’s team coach, Justin Langer said.