Mitchell Starc, Australia's fast bowler, has been ruled out of the third T20I against Sri Lanka and is doubtful for the first half of the five-match ODI series. As backup, Jhye Richardson has been named into the visitor's 50-over squad.
On Tuesday, Starc sustained an uncommon injury when a spike from his bowling shoe sliced his index finger during the first over of the first T20I. While the paceman bowled his four overs with his lacerated finger wrapped up and picked up 3 for 26 in that match, he has subsequently had six stitches placed.
The left-arm pacer has been ruled out of the T20Is two and three. He will remain with the group and continue to train, but the wound will take at least seven days to heal, and possibly longer, ruling him out of the opening ODI at Pallekele on Tuesday.
Starc may be able to return in time for the second half of the ODI series, and Cricket Australia is confident that he will be fit for the upcoming two-Test series in Galle.
"He (Starc) will continue to train with the team in Sri Lanka, with the possibility of returning for the ODI series. His rehabilitation period has yet to be determined, but it is expected to be at least seven days "In a statement, CA said.
Meanwhile, Richardson has been brought into Australia's ODI team as backup for Starc, who replaced him in the T20I side and took 3 for 26 in the three-wicket win in game two on Wednesday.
Despite being in the original T20I squad, Richardson was initially left out of the ODI team. He was scheduled to participate in two Australia A four-day games in Hambantota, which will take place simultaneously with the ODI series in Sri Lanka.
Nathan McAndrew of South Australia has been called up from Warwickshire to replace Richardson for Australia. A. McAndrew has been awarded for being the second-most prolific wicket-taker in the Sheffield Shield last season, with 27 wickets at 30 and 227 runs.
The 28-year-old will travel to Sri Lanka from the United Kingdom, where he has been the foreign player for Warwickshire.