Australia's premier pacer Mitchell Starc wasn't deterred by the back issues and kept on bowling until his team won the all-important fourth Test against India at the MCG. Australia thrashed India by 184 runs on Day 5 of the Boxing Day Test to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series with a match to spare. Meanwhile, Australia captain Pat Cummins has come up with an update about Starc's availability for the fifth and final Test in Sydney against India.
Starc experienced back discomfort during the third day of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Despite the pain, he continued to bowl, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming Sydney Test. However, Cummins confirmed that Starc's fitness would be closely monitored, and initial assessments suggest a positive outlook for his recovery. For now Cummins has said that Starc is on track to regain full fitness in time for the crucial Sydney Test, which is slated to start from January 3. Notably, Starc remained wicketless in the first innings and managed to pick just one in the second.
Pat Cummins on Mitchell Starc's availability for 5th Test against India
"I think every fast bowler knows it, the first ball of a spell when you're a bit sore, it's always hurts a little bit more. So yeah, I'm pretty confident he'll be fine. We'll reassess in a couple of days but yeah, he's managing a couple of sore bits, looked like his ribs or something. But he's a warrior. He gets through. He never even contemplates not being an option to bowl. So, yeah, other than being in pain, he's fully fully fit and available," Cummins said in the post-match press conference.
Notably, the big win against India in the Boxing Day Test has boosted Australia's chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 final. Australia will be eager to secure another victory in the Sydney Test to finally assure their chances. Meanwhile, the presence of Mitchell Starc will be crucial for them in the final showdown.
The Sydney Test will not only determine the outcome of the series but also strengthen Australia's position in the WTC points table. Meanwhile, Cummins was adjudged the player of the match for his splendid bowling in the MCG Test. Combining both the innings, he picked six wickets.