Starc to miss second T20 for brother’s wedding

Adelaide, October 28

Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has decided his brother’s wedding is more important than a game of cricket, pulling out of the second T20I against Sri Lanka to witness him tie the knot. Billy Stanlake or Sean Abbott are likely to replace Starc as Australia target an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-game series in Brisbane on Wednesday. Cricket Australia reported the Starc move on its website, saying he had been granted a release as part of an increased focus on family time under coach Justin Langer. Australia won the opening T20I in Adelaide by 134 runs, with David Warner celebrating his birthday with a return to form, clubbing an unbeaten 100. 

Warner gifts youngster his gloves

David Warner was back to his lethal best on the cricket field as he smashed an unbeaten 56-ball 100 to help Australia canter to 134-run victory in the first T20 against Sri Lanka. Off the pitch, the destructive southpaw, who was celebrating his 33rd birthday, made the day of a young fan even before he started his carnage by gifting him his gloves while returning from practice. As he headed to the dressing room, Warner non-chalantly handed over his pair of gloves to the young fan who seemed too overwhelmed to react at first. “These young fellas won’t ever forget their trip to the cricket today. All class from David Warner,” said the message along with the video. — Agencies