Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc is one of three players to be ruled out of Australia’s T20I tour to India with low-level injuries.

All-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Marsh will also be rested.

Team bosses opted not to risk aggravating niggles in the three-game series beginning on 21 September with Australia’s defence of the T20 World Cup on home soil fast approaching.

“Selectors felt with three games in six days across three cities, including travel to India and internally, Marsh, Stoinis and Starc are best served remaining in Australia,” Cricket Australia said.

The injuries are all minor with Starc (knee), Marsh (ankle) and Stoinis (side) replaced by Nathan Ellis, Daniel Sams and Sean Abbott.

Australia will return to play home T20I series against the West Indies and England in the lead-up to the World Cup, where they will open their campaign on 22 October against New Zealand.

© Agence France-Presse