After the series of injuries, Australia has finally got positive news. Their premier left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc is returning to play the all-important Test series against India. He had made himself unavailable after playing the first T20I due to an unspecified illness in his family. But Starc has decided to join his teammates for the four-match Test series.
With Australia already having Pat Cummins and Josh Hazelwood, his inclusion will increase the difficulty for Indian contingents who are inexperienced with the pink ball in Australian condition. He is the most prolific wicket-taker in the short history of pink-ball Test cricket.
Justin Langer stated that it was difficult for Mithcell Starc to leave his family, but they are grateful that the speedster has decided to feature in the series.
“We feel for Mitch at this difficult time and we’re happy he has taken time out to spend with his family,” said coach Justin Langer.
“We look forward to welcoming him back into the squad on Monday.”
Mitchell Starc will join Australia’s squad on Monday:
Cricket Australia informed that Mitchell Starc will join the team in Sydney on Monday and will travel with them in Adelaide to feature in the opening match, scheduled to begin on December 17.
“Starc has advised Australian team management he is ready to re-enter the hub in Adelaide and will fly from Sydney on Monday with fellow Test squad members in the Australia A team,” Cricket Australia said in a statement on Sunday (December 13).
Josh Hazelwood also stated that the return of Starc is great news for the team considering his masterpiece with the pink ball.
“It’s obviously great news for us to have Starcy come in tomorrow,” Hazlewood said on the sidelines of Australia’s training session on Sunday. “He’s a huge part of our team and a huge part of our attack. Everyone knows his numbers with the pink ball are pretty special so we welcome him with open arms,” he added.
Australia’s batting mainstay David Warner has been ruled out of the first Test because of a groin injury. In contrast, Will Pucovski, who was seen as a replacement of Warner’s replacement, had sustained a concussion in the first warm-up game against India A.
Also, the allrounder Cameron Green, who was also in discussion for inclusion in Australia’s playing XI, suffered a concussion in the second warm-up game. Thus, Australia has a series of injuries ahead of the beginning of the Test series. Amid this, Mitchell Starc’s comeback is a huge positive factor for them.