Aussies face Starc dilemma for T20s

Mitchell Starc is under a fitness cloud for Australia's T20 series against Pakistan this week after having tests on his injured hamstring.

The left-arm quick battled tightness in his left hamstring and was used sparingly during the second Test in Abu Dhabi, which Pakistan won to clinch a 1-0 series victory.

Starc had precautionary scans on Friday night and is understood to have avoided any serious damage.

He will remain in the UAE for the T20 games and has not been ruled out of playing despite Peter Siddle being held over as back-up.

However, the sense within the Australian camp is that Starc can benefit from staying on tour because it will allow team medical staff to monitor his recovery.

Starc hasn’t played a T20 match at any level for more than two years, his absence due to several serious injuries and a desire from selectors to hold him back and prevent burnout.

The priority over the coming weeks will be ensuring Starc is fit to play in next month's Gillette ODI series against South Africa and the Domain Tests against India.

Starc looms as one of several multi-format stars who must be carefully managed during a cramped summer schedule.

T20 skipper Aaron Finch, allrounder Mitch Marsh and spinner Nathan Lyon could also feasibly play in all three formats over coming months, forcing selectors to balance requirements for the limited-overs fixtures against the need for red-ball practice.

Finch was among Australia's best performers in the UAE Tests, but scheduling clashes could leave him playing just one JLT Sheffield Shield round before the first Test against India in Adelaide.

"You've got to pick your best T20 side and you've got to pick your best one-day side," coach Justin Langer said ahead of the T20s.

"If you ask the players, they want to play for Australia. They love playing for their states, but you love playing international cricket."

Australia will play three T20s against Pakistan starting in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday before the final two games are played in Dubai.

The tourists are also set to play a warm-up game against the UAE on Monday, which has been granted full international status.