Mitchell Starc, the Australian fast bowler, who has been sidelined due to a finger injury, announced that he is sufficiently fit to participate in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar series. Starc suffered the injury during the home series against South Africa and has been recuperating since then.
With the absence of senior pacers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, the Australian team is in dire need of Starc’s expertise and experience. The upcoming Test is crucial for the team as they face a 2-0 deficit with two matches remaining, making it a must-win contest.
Admitting that the recovery from the finger injury was slower than he would have liked, Starc stated, “It’s all right, it’s good enough. Good to go, that’ll do for selection. It’s a Test match, so it’ll be good. The progress was slower than what I would have liked, but I am quite patient in that regard, so it is still progressing, but it has progressed enough to be comfortable playing, Hopefully, I can play a role with this team.”
He further said, “The fact that I was not required last week gave me an opportunity for another week to prepare and progress, and get accustomed to the discomfort. I certainly felt that I was ready to go physically and mentally before the last Test itself.”
“There is still plenty to achieve” – Mitchell Starc
India faced a formidable opponent in the Australian cricket team, who currently holds the top spot in the world rankings, during their subcontinent tour. Despite this, the Indian team has not lost a Test series at home since 2012, and their unbeaten record remains intact. With a commanding 2-0 lead, it seems likely that India will successfully Defend the Border-Gavaskar trophy.
Stating that Australia still has a lot to play for despite the series scoreline being against them, Starc said: “There is still plenty to achieve, we have not yet lost the series, so there is an opportunity to draw the series. As India’s home record would suggest, it is not an easy place to come and play. Also, it would be nice to finish out on top before the World Test Championship final.”
