Australia isn’t concerned over the fitness of fast bowler Mitchell Starc ahead of their crucial T20 World Cup clash with Sri Lanka despite him copping a blow on the knee in the nets on Tuesday.
Mitchell Starc was struck on the right knee by a straight drive in his follow-through during Australia’s Tuesday night training session at the ICC Academy. He left the session with a heavy limp and in some discomfort, but was moving without assistance.
Australia’s Mitchell Starc- Image Credit: AFP
Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, And Pat Cummins Featured In Australia’s Opening Win Against South Africa In 2021 T20I World Cup
Mitchell Starc trained fully on Wednesday with a compression bandage on his knee and also batted and bowled during the session, with Australian medical staff continuing to monitor his bruising. Australia has two matches in three days, as they face Sri Lanka on Thursday and England on Saturday, and management of their fast bowling stocks will be critical.
Mitchell Starc training with the compression sleeve. (Image: Getty)
Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins all played in Australia’s opening win against South Africa in Abu Dhabi as part of an attack with only four specialist bowlers. It was the first time all three had played a T20I together, having played six times together in T20s for Sydney Sixers in 2012, with the Sixers winning all six games.
Kane Richardson Can Be A Suitable Replacement For Mitchell Starc
Both pacer Kane Richardson and spinner Ashton Agar were left out of the win over South Africa, and coach Justin Langer said the decision was very tough. However, the coach stressed Australia would be flexible throughout the tournament with their selections, depending on conditions and match-ups.
Kane Richardson (Image Credit: Twitter)
The pacer wore a compression bandage on his knee for the entirety of the session but was able to bat and bowl without much of a fuss. Mitchell Starc’s availability is crucial to the side as he is their primary death bowler and also the one that Aaron Finch turns to for wickets early on in the powerplay.
Without him, the bowling attack does look weakened, but Kane Richardson, who was left out of Australia’s first match, can be a suitable replacement. Ashton Agarwas also excluded from the playing XI despite being in good nick. Australia head coach Justin Langer stated that it was a tough decision but one that had to be made considering the matchups in Group Of Death.
Although Australia won their first game against South Africa, they had to work hard to overhaul a 119-run target.
Australia Probable Playing XI: Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (w), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
