BGT 2024-25: Alex Carey provides update on Mitchell Starc's participation in SCG test

Mitchell Starc has taken 15 wickets in the ongoing BGT 2024-25.

Mitchell Starc has been a key bowler for Australia in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. The tall left-arm fast bowler has taken 15 wickets so far at an average of 28.

After managing to pick only three wickets in the first test in Perth, Starc bounced back well in the second test in Adelaide and was the standout performer for the hosts with eight wickets in their dominant 10-wicket victory in the day-night test.

Australia, however, will be concerned about Starc’s fitness after he felt rib discomfort during the Melbourne test. Starc appeared in visible discomfort throughout the game, frequently holding his ribs while bowling in both the first and second innings.

Despite the injury, he claimed the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli just before lunch on day 5, which opened the gates for Australia to make inroads into India’s middle and lower middle order.

Ahead of the crucial fifth test in Sydney, Australian wicket-keeper Alex Carey has provided an important update on the participation of the experienced fast bowler.

Alex Carey on Mitchell Starc’s participation in the SCG test

Speaking to the media before the SCG test, Alex Carey acknowledged that Mitchell Starc is expected to push through and play despite his rib discomfort.

Carey said, “He’ll be fine. He will push through, I’ve played with Starcy (Mitchell Starc) for a long time now and he is one of the toughest cricketers that I’ve played with. He’ll grimace and grab his rib without a doubt at times but he’ll be ready for the contest.“

If Starc misses the next test, Western Australian pacer Jhye Richardson is expected to replace him in the playing XI. Richardson has so far played three tests in his career, with his last appearance coming in 2021 against England in the day-night test at the Adelaide Oval.

India will face Australia in the fifth and final game of the series at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 3. It’s a do-or-die match for the Asian giants, as a defeat would not only result in a series loss, but also end their hopes of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final.

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