IPL snub could have Ashes payday

Sacrificing a big Indian Premier League payday is paying off for Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, and the best dividends may yet come in the Ashes.

Starc was named man of the series in Australia’s 2-1 one-day series win over the West Indies on the back of 11 wickets at an imperious average of just 10.6, including three in Australia’s series-clinching victory in Barbados on Tuesday.

The left-armer blew the home team away, having hit the Caribbean without any cricket since playing in the Sheffield Shield final for NSW in April.

Starc has been happy to snub the IPL in recent years for time at home with his cricketing superstar wife Alyssa Healy, time the new Covid world often prevents them from having.

Not having to endure life in an IPL bubble, or 10 days in the Maldives as his countrymen did when Covid forced the tournament to be abandoned, or 14-days quarantine on return home, has Starc fresh not just for the now but hopefully for the summer ahead too.

It’s a big few months too, with a T20 World Cup in October and November, then the five Test series against the old enemy, with Starc set to play a leading role in both.

An elite ODI series from Australia's pace spearhead! #WIvAUSpic.twitter.com/XZ9kLWH2Ne

“That has been one of the reasons I have opted not to go to the IPL, to spend some time with my wife and my family, to refresh,” Starc said after taking 3-48 in game three in Barbados.

“It is chance to be away from the bubble and the hub. It’s not been an easy one over here, it has not been an escape from cricket or the hotel. Won’t be the case when we get to Bangladesh (for five more T20s).

“It makes it really tough when you throw in hubs and bubbles. It’s certainly a challenge for me and Alyssa when you have probably two hubs at the same time.”

There’s growing concern coming out of England about the potential for players not to come for the Ashes if their families are not allowed into Australia.

Cricket Australia is believed to be working hard to achieve a workable situation for not just the tourists but the Australian players as well who were isolated away from their families all last summer.

Mitchell Starc was outstanding in the West Indies. Picture: Randy Brooks / AFPSource:AFP

Starc hoped there could be a resolution that worked for both teams.

“I’m not sure what the next period of time looks like. Australia is going through its own challenges at the minute,” he said.

“It certainly would make a difference.

“I know Cricket Australia are trying to make it as comfortable and accommodating as possible. England will no doubt want their families in there as well.

“No doubt there are going to be a lot of different circumstances.

“But we’ve got a couple of series to go before we even consider playing at home.”

The Australians will fly to Dhaka on Wednesday for the five T20 matches against Bangladesh.

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