Starc rested from Shield match

Cricket Australia has rested Test quick Mitchell Starc from this weekend's Bupa Sheffield Shield match in Brisbane.

The left-armer, who played a Shield match last week having also played for Australia in their second Test loss to Pakistan a fortnight ago, has been left out of the NSW Blues squad to play the my FootDr Queensland Bulls at the Gabba.

Cricket Australia's Executive General Manager of Team Performance Pat Howard later said that Starc had a minor groin strain and was scheduled to have scans.

Howard stressed that even without the fitness issue, Starc would not have been available to play in the match against the Bulls, starting on Sunday.

"(Starc) has just had to back-to-back red ball matches after 14 months off red ball cricket," Howard said in a statement released on Friday.

"For his wellbeing at the beginning of a long season, Mitch was always going to be rested from this round of Shield matches.

"Mitch has a minor groin strain and scans tonight will determine when he is next available to play.

"If he is cleared to play (for Australia in) the final three one-day internationals (against South Africa) this does not guarantee selection.

"The four-man selection panel will hook up tomorrow afternoon to pick the squad."

Starc got plenty of overs under his belt in his two most recent matches; he notched up almost 39 overs in the heat of Abu Dhabi and bowled another 41.3 overs in Adelaide last week.

He claimed seven wickets in that match against the West End Redbacks, including Phil Hughes twice.

"It was good to get those overs in the legs and get that prolonged bowl that we've been needing for a while," Starc said.

While Starc has been ruled out, the Blues have welcomed back four players from international duty.

Sean Abbott, Doug Bollinger and Nic Maddinson return after taking part in Australia’s 2-1 T20 series victory over South Africa. 

Test spinner Nathan Lyon has also been included having missed the last Shield match following the birth of his second child.

Ben Rohrer is still unavailable for selection as he is still suffering from the effects of a concussion he suffered against Victoria earlier this month.

NSW squad
Peter Nevill (c), Sean Abbott, Doug Bollinger, Ryan Carters, Scott Henry, Josh Lalor, Nick Larkin, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Stephen O’Keefe, Kurtis Patterson, Gurinder Sandhu