Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of Australia’s white-ball tour of South Africa.

Cricket Australia said on Friday that the pace spearhead was struggling with groin soreness since returning from the Ashes series against England.

CA also confirmed that star batsman Smith will miss the three T2oIs and five ODIs against the Proteas from 30 August to 17 September due to a tendon issue in his left wrist that requires him to wear a splint.

Chief selector George Bailey said they were taking “a conservative approach” with the pair in the build-up to the ODI World Cup in India in October.

“With the World Cup the priority of the squad, it was determined on advice that it was best for Steve and Mitchell to join the group in India,” Bailey said in a statement on Friday.

Australia are scheduled to play three ODIs against India before the World Cup starts.

The T20I squad was already missing heavyweights Josh Hazlewood, Cameron Green and David Warner, who are all being rested after the gruelling Ashes campaign.

Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins is another absentee as he recovers from a fractured wrist. Cummins will join the squad for the ODI leg in South Africa but was not assured of playing, Cricket Australia said.

Ashton Turner will replace Smith for the T20Is and Marnus Labuschagne for the ODIs.

Starc’s absence opens the door for rapidly rising fellow left-arm quick Spencer Johnson to remain with the squad for the rest of the tour after the T20Is.

© Agence France-Presse