5 fast bowlers who could miss the World T20 due to injury

Sri Lanka's T20 title defence could be impeded by the absence of Lasith MalingaInjuries are an unavoidable part of any sport which involves physical exertion of any kind. Cricket has always been a physically demanding sport and has only grown in intensity over the past few decades. This has, however, also resulted in players getting injured more frequently than ever before.In particular, the fast bowlers have been suffering in terms of injuries; the primary reason being their increased workload in the wake of playing different formats of the game. Presently, a number of top fast bowlers from different teams are nursing injuries which has cast a cloud of doubt over their availability for the ICC World Twenty20 scheduled for March this year.Let us take a look at the top 5 pacers who may not make it to the biggest T20 tournament.

#5 Tim Southee

Southee has been quite brilliant for New Zealand in recent times

One half of New Zealand’s deadly opening duo of swing bowlers, Tim Southee is currently out of the side with a foot injury. Southee and his partner Trent Boult had a fantastic 50-overs World Cup last year where they troubled almost every team at home.

The 27-year old paceman sustained the injury during the 3rd ODI of the series against Sri Lanka played towards the end of last year. A CT scan which was done on his left foot revealed severe bruising. As a result, Southee was ruled out of the 3-match T20I series against the touring Pakistan.

While New Zealand will be hoping to have their frontline bowler back in business soon, Tim Southee’s availability for the World Twenty20 is very much doubtful.

#4 Mohammad Shami

Shami was one of India’s main bowling weapons in the 2015 ICC World Cup

Injuries just don’t seem to be leaving Indian pacer Mohammad Shami alone. He had just recovered from a knee injury that he had been carrying since the 2015 ICC World Cup and made it back to the Indian team.

However, in an unfortunate turn of events for the young quickie, he has suffered a Grade II tear on his left hamstring while training with the Indian team in Australia and has been forced to return home. This injury puts Mohammad Shami out of action for around 6 weeks and the selectors may have too tight a window to fit him into the World Twenty20 squad.

In the last couple of years, Shami was developing as the leader of the Indian pace attack in limited-overs cricket. His unavailability could increase skipper MS Dhoni's reliance on spin.

#3 Mitchell Starc

Starc has been in roaring form with the ball in recent times

One of the top fast bowlers in world cricket today, Mitchell Starc is almost certain not to take part in the marquee event of T20I cricket. In the first ever day-night Test played between Australia and New Zealand, Starc had suffered a stress fracture on his right foot.

In the wake of this injury, the lanky Australian left-arm pacer decided to undergo a surgery to take care of his persistent ankle problems which have caused him considerable trouble in the past. The amount of time which Starc is likely to take to recover from the foot injury and recuperate from the surgery may not allow him to be ready for the 2016 ICC World Twenty20.

Taking into account Mitchell Starc’s exploits in the 50-over World Cup last year, his absence is sure to be a big blow as Australia gears up to add the only missing trophy to their cabinet.

#2 Lasith Malinga

Malinga has been an exceptional performer in T20 cricket

There are high chances that Sri Lanka may miss out on the services of their ace limited-overs bowler Lasith Malinga in the World Twenty20. Malinga has been recovering from a knee injury that he suffered on his team's trip to West Indies in October, last year.

As a result of this, he did not play in the ODI series against New Zealand and was also unavailable for the T20Is. If his knee injury continues to worry him for some more time, Malinga may find it difficult to make it in time for the 2016 World Twenty20.

The 32-year old's absence from the World T20 squad may certainly dash Sri Lanka's hopes of a successful title defence.

#1 Dale Steyn

We may miss out on Dale Steyn's pumped celebrations at the 2016 World Twenty20

South African pace spearhead Dale Steyn has not been at his best of late and injury is only adding to his woes. In the first Test of the ongoing home series against England at Durban, Steyn suffered a shoulder injury because of which he missed out on the 2nd Test at Cape Town.

There was a possibility of him being included to the team for the 3rd Test. However, Dale Steyn has been ruled out of it following the severity of his injury. Towards the end of 2015, South Africa's premier fast bowler had also missed 3 out of the 4 Tests against India on the due to a groin injury.

Keeping in mind his injury troubles in the past year or so, it is highly doubtful that South Africa will run the risk of including Dale Steyn in the World Twenty20 squad.