IND vs AUS: Mitchell Starc Likely To Miss 1st Test Against India

After announcing he anticipates missing the first game of the series due to a finger injury, Mitchell Starc is trying to be well for the second Test versus India in Delhi. After separating the tendon from the bone in his left middle finger during the Boxing Day Test, Starc is still wearing a brace and is not able to bowl.

On Australia’s most recent Test trips to Asia, the left-arm pacer has partnered with Pat Cummins as the second fast bowler, averaging just under 30 with his reverse swing. In Australia’s assault, Mitchell Starc also plays a critical supporting role by setting up footholds for Nathan Lyon to spin the ball out of as he approaches the wicket.

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Mitchell Starc Hopeful Of Playing In The Second Test

Before the four-match series, the 32-year-old admits it is doubtful that he will participate in the first Test on February 9 in Nagpur, where he was given a 50/50 chance to do so.

“That’s probably likely (I will miss the first Test),” Starc told AAP at the launch of Amazon Prime’s The Test documentary.

“We’ll see how we’re placed at the end of the month. Hopefully, I am there for the second Test if they want to play me. Maybe I can make some footmarks for Gazza (Lyon) or something. We’ll see how the finger is.”

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Pat Cummins Is Confident Of Josh Hazlewood

The first Test is also anticipated to see all-rounder Cameron Green join Mitchell Starc on the sidelines, leaving Australia without a fast-bowling backup.

After claiming 12 wickets there on his debut in 2008, Jason Krezja cemented Nagpur’s reputation as a big-turning pitch.

Josh Hazlewood, who was passed over for four of the five matches in Sri Lanka and Pakistan last year, will almost certainly play his second Test in Asia since 2017, because of the absence of Green and Starc.

Hazlewood made a strong impression upon making his side-strain comeback in Sydney last week, including his reverse swing in both innings.

“No qualms picking (Hazlewood), you know what you’re going to get and it is quality,” captain Cummins said.

“Getting four or five wickets on that wicket. Every time he bowled he looked threatening.”

Pat Cummins Wants Two Spinners For Indian Wickets

Given that Travis Head and other players can function as spinners but there are no options for part-time pacers, Scott Boland may also be considered as a third fast with Green out of the picture.

However, Cummins said that using just two seamers for Tests in India would not worry him about workload.

“Over there, you pick two spinners. You think it is going to be quite a spinning wicket,” Cummins said.

“Travis Head, Marnus (Labuschagne), Smudge (Steve Smith). They all come into it a bit more. Generally, if you’re picking two spinners you’re not expecting it to be a long game.”

Also Read: AUS vs SA: “There Has To Be A Way To Try And Improve It Somehow”- Pat Cummins On Deciding Close Catches

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