Australian cricket team in mourning as star fast bowler loses his father to cancer
- Mitchell Starc’s father Paul passed away on Tuesday after losing cancer battle
- As a result, Starc, 31, will miss Sheffield Shield match against Victoria this week
- Starc had pulled out of the T20 series in December to deal with family illness
Australian cricket star Mitchell Starc is in mourning after his father tragically lost his battle with cancer.
The 31-year-old Australian fast bowler will miss the Sheffield Shield match against Victoria, starting on Thursday, to mourn the loss of his father Paul who passed away on Tuesday.
Starc had earlier pulled out of the second and third T20s against India in December due to a family illness.
Australian cricket star Mitchell Starc’s father Paul (pictured together) passed away on Tuesday after losing his battle with cancer
Cricket NSW confirmed on Wednesday Starc would miss the match at Bankstown Oval, as would Steve Smith who is resting an elbow injury.
Teammate Nathan Lyon paid his respects to the Starc family on Wednesday.
‘All our thoughts and prayers are going out to Mitch and his family,’ Lyon said.
‘It’s a tough time but he knows he’s got all our love and all our support, from everyone here at NSW cricket and the cricket community.’
Mr Starc was also a father to Brandon Starc, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist in high jump.
Brandon was due to compete in an event this week.
The 31-year-old Australian fast bowler will miss the Sheffield Shield match against Victoria, starting on Thursday, to mourn the loss of his father Paul (pictured together with Nathan Lyon)
Starc’s wife and Australian women’s cricketer, Alyssa Healy, has also been pulled from the NSW Breakers’ Women’s National Cricket League clash with Tasmania due to kick off in Hobart on Thursday
Starc’s wife and Australian women’s cricketer, Alyssa Healy, has also been pulled from the NSW Breakers’ Women’s National Cricket League clash with Tasmania due to kick off in Hobart on Thursday.
It’s unclear if she will be available to play on Sunday when NSW faces South Australia in Adelaide.