Starc cleared by CA to play IPL

Veteran Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has been cleared by Cricket Australia to fly to India to take part in the ongoing IPL. The 36-year-old will join the Delhi Capitals squad and is likely to be available for selection for their game against the Rajasthan Royals on May 1.

Starc was sidelined with elbow and shoulder injuries sustained during the Australian summer after featuring in all five Ashes Tests in Australia's 4-1 victory. Named player of the series, Starc also immediately featured in the Big Bash for Sydney Sixers before getting sidelined.

Starc wasn't the only frontline Australian pacer to miss the start of the IPL with compatriot Pat Cummins yet to feature in a game as well. Cummins is now expected to play his first game this weekend. With Josh Hazlewood also returning to full fitness recently, CA will be pleased with the status of their first-choice trio with Australia set to play 20 Tests before the next ODI World Cup.

In Starc's absence, Lungi Ngidi has been DC's frontline overseas pacer, picking up 7 wickets in 6 games. Despite kickstarting their campaign on a positive note, winning the first two games, DC have lost three out of their next four.