Australia had already been forced into a number of changes due to the injuries to Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh alongside the retirement of Marcus Stoinis. Starc’s absence means they are without their entire frontline pace attack for the tournament in Pakistan and the UAE which starts on February 19.
Starc, who will not be commenting about his decision and has asked for privacy, looked to be in discomfort with a left ankle issue in bowling just four overs during Sri Lanka’s second innings of last week’s final Test at Galle.
It is understood he returned to Australia in the immediate aftermath of that game which means he will also miss the two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka starting in Colombo today.
Australia squad: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa. Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly.