After Josh Hazlewood, another Australia pacer is amid an injury concern, but Mitchell Starc is likely to “push through” and play the SCG Test from January 3, according to teammate Alex Carey.
Australia have a 2-1 lead in the five-match Test series against India, with the final game scheduled to be played at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground from Friday. Despite being one win away from claiming a Test series against India for the first time since 2014, the Australia camp are not without their own concerns.
After having seen Josh Hazlewood being ruled out of the series due to a calf injury, the hosts are also sweating over the fitness of Starc, who first showed signs of back discomfort during the MCG Test. However, he managed to send down a total of 41 overs in the game, also claiming the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli in the second innings.
Two days on from the Sydney Test, Starc went for scans on his back, raising questions over his fitness. However, wicketkeeper Carey is hopeful that the left-armer will be fine. “He'll be fine. He'll push through. 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.
“I thought first spell [in the second innings at MCG] without the reward was some of the best bowling I've seen this series from him," Carey said. "He's a quality player and has been for a long time. He's got an opportunity now to help this team in a Test match. He'll be up for the contest, and I think his bowling's just gotten better throughout the series."
Starc has picked up 15 wickets in four Tests thus far at an average of 28.73. He is only one of three bowlers to claim a five-for across both sides in the series and has taken a wicket every 52.53 deliveries.
If Starc is deemed unfit to play the fifth match, Australia will have the option of picking either Jhye Richardson or Sean Abbott in the XI. While Richardson is yet to play a Test since the 2021/22 Ashes, Abbott is yet to make his Test debut.
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