Australian wicket-keeper Alex Carey remains confident of pacer Mitchell Starc’s participation in the final game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India in Sydney.
Starc is said to have sustained a rib injury and looked in discomfort during the final day of the Melbourne Test. The left-arm pacer was seen taking the help of the physio to keep him in good stead and delivering crucial overs. He took an important wicket of veteran batter Virat Kohli, which played a part in the visitors’ batting collapse, handing Australia a remarkable 184-run victory.
According to reports, Starc underwent a scan on the injured area on Wednesday, and the final results will be made available soon. His injury concern forced him to clock speeds less than 140 kph on most occasions during the final day of the MCG Test.
So far, Mitchell Starc has scalped 15 wickets at an average of 28.73, with best figures of 6/48 coming in Adelaide.
On Wednesday, Australia held an optional session, which saw Starc, Pat Cummins, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon being absent. Instead, they underwent their fitness regime at the gym in the stadium.
Carey hailed Starc as a “tough” cricketer and opined that the pacer will be playing the New Year’s Test.
“He’ll be fine. He’ll push through,” Alex Carey said. “I’ve played with Starcy for a long time now, and [he’s] one of the toughest cricketers I’ve played with. He’ll grimace, he’ll grab his rib no doubt, but he’ll be ready for the contest.”
Further, Alex Carey feels that Mitchell Starc’s performances have gotten better as the series has progressed. In particular, he lauded Starc’s first spell, which saw him dismiss Kohli.
“I thought first spell without the reward was some of the best bowling I’ve seen this series from him,” Carey said about Starc’s final-day effort at the MCG. “He’s a quality player and has been for a long time.”
Who could fill in for the absence of Mitchell Starc in Sydney Test?
Jhye Richardson and Sean Abbott are likely to be the backup option for Australia as the third pacer in the absence of Mitchell Starc in the Sydney test.
Richardson has been impressive in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL), with six wickets in three games. While playing for Perth Scorchers, the right-arm pacer claimed figures of 3/29 against Adelaide Strikers.
Meanwhile, Abbott picked up six wickets in his last Sheffield Shield appearance, and took three wickets in two BBL games for Sydney Sixers. A home advantage and proficiency with the bat are some of the key advantages for Australia with Abbott’s inclusion.
FAQs
Who is the top-scorer for India in BGT 2024-25?
Yashasvi Jaiswal – 359 runs
Who is the highest wicket-taker for Australia in BGT 2024-25?
Pat Cummins – 20 wickets
