Andrew McDonald confirms the pacer’s injury

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has admitted that Mitchell Starc has some kind of injury or problem ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy fifth Test against India in Sydney. However, McDonald was still hopeful that Starc would be fit before the upcoming Test.

Mitchell Starc struggled midway through the Melbourne Test and even walked off the field during Day 3 of the match due to rib pain. However, he returned to the field on the final day and played a role in his team’s victory.

Also read: Jasprit Bumrah named captain, Pat Cummins omitted from Cricket Australia’s 2024 Test squad.

Andrew McDonald acknowledges Mitchell Starc’s fitness concerns

Andrew McDonald spoke to the press after the Melbourne Test and gave an update on Mitchell Starc’s fitness. Australia’s head coach admitted that Starc has a problem or inflammation, but believes he will be fine when he goes to Sydney.

“We’ll see what the bodies are like. It’s clear that Starcy (Mitchell Starc) is wearing something similar to the description. We’ll assess that. But other than that, it looks like we’re through,” McDonald said.

Andrew McDonald further revealed the reasons behind Starc’s availability for the SCG. He claimed the fast left-hander threw good rhythm after his body warmed up and looked in good rhythm.

“It (the injury) didn’t stop him. There was a bit of discomfort early in the spells but once he warmed up he seemed to be quite free. The ball speeds are good,” McDonald added.

Mitchell Starc makes a good comeback in the second innings

Mitchell Starc took the new ball in the second innings and bowled the ball in good rhythm. He shared the bowling work quite well with all the other Australian bowlers and didn’t feel awkward.

The left-arm fast bowler took the wicket of Virat Kohli to give his side a vital lead and finish with 1-25 in 16 overs. Earlier, he remained wicketless in the first innings for 25 overs.

Starc’s fitness will be assessed ahead of the Sydney test, but he is likely to be fit in time according to his team’s head coach. In case he is unavailable, Jhye Richardson and Sean Abbott are the other two fast bowlers in the squad as replacements. While Richardson gives the team extra pace, Abbott is a capable batsman lower down.

Australia an inch ahead in the series

Meanwhile, Australia took the lead for the first time in the series. They cruised to a comprehensive 184-run win over India at the MCG and now lead the series 2-1. With just one match remaining, they will aim to win the Border-Gavaskar trophy again.

Australia will also be looking for a place in the World Test Championship final after a win in Sydney. The hosts will qualify immediately if they win the upcoming test match. On the other hand, India must win in Sydney to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the WTC finals and retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.