Women's T20 World Cup final 2020: Ravichandran Ashwin hails Mitchell Starc's gesture for wife Alyssa Healy

Australian fast-bowler Mitchell Starc won the hearts of many cricket fans around the world as he sought leave from the ongoing ODI series between Australia and South Africa to go back home and catch sight of his wife Alyssa Healy play a part in the ICC Women’s T20I World Cup 2020 final.

Starc’s gesture received a warm response from fan all over social media and even Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin gave him a big thumbs up for the gesture.

Alyssa Healy is a member of the Australia women’s team which is set to lock horns with Harmanpreet Kaur led team India in the final of the Women’s T20I World Cup on Sunday. With the outcome of the ODI series between Australia and South Africa all settled as the host leads the series by 2-0, Starc had the chance to leave the team and support his wife in what can be dubbed as her biggest cricket match thus far.

Women’s cricket is not as popular as men’s but is gradually becoming successful in gaining fan’ attention. Starc’s gesture, therefore, does not just make sence from a personal view but also from professional aspect as Starc asserts the importance of supporting women’s cricket.

Ashwin, who is quite active on social media, took to his official twitter handle and wrote, "So refreshing to see this!! Well done," he tweeted on Saturday.

Australian coach Justin Langer also elucidated the reason behind the decision to release Starc from the national team duty, calling it a 'once-in-a-lifetime chance' for the fast bowler.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance for Mitch to watch Alyssa in a home World Cup final and so we were happy to allow him to return home to support his wife and be part of a fantastic occasion," Langer had said on Friday.

The happiest person from Starc’s decision to not play in the third ODI would be Protea’s skipper Quinton de Kock who was dismissed by the pacer time and time again in the ongoing series.

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