BGT 2024-25: Scott Boland provides update on Mitchell Starc's injury scare during MCG test

Mitchell Starc couldn’t take a wicket in 25 overs he bowled in the Boxing Day test at the MCG.

Australia‘s leading wicket-taker of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 heading into the Boxing Day test, Mitchell Starc, has remained wicketless so far in the fourth test.

Starc started strong in the first innings against Yashasvi Jaiswal, getting the youngster to play a few false shots early on. However, on day 3, the tall left-armer seemed to be a shadow of his usual self. Starc struggled in the Melbourne heat, often bowling short spells without posing much threat to the batters.

Starc was often seen holding his left rib while returning to his bowling mark. The discomfort seemed to affect his rhythm, making him bowl down the leg at times.

Amid growing concerns, Starc’s teammate Scott Boland has provided an update on his fitness.

Scott Boland on Mitchell Starc’s injury in the MCG test

Speaking to the media at the end of day 3, Australia pacer Scott Boland reassured that Mitchell Starc is fine and there are no significant concerns regarding his fitness.

He said, “He’s OK, he’s had a bit of a niggle somewhere in his back or his rib, But … he was bowling around 140 (kilometers an hour, 85 mph) so I think he’s going to be fine. He’s under-rated for how tough he is. He’s someone who can play through a lot of pain.”

Australia will closely monitor Starc’s fitness as his availability is crucial for the hosts at the MCG. With the pitch appearing to ease out, being one bowler short will significantly hamper Australia’s chances.

India and Australia playing XIs for the Boxing Day test:

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.