Alex Carey fires Mitchell Starc warning to India ahead of Sydney Test, delivers fitness update

Left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc looks likely to be fit in time ahead of the fifth Test between Australia and India in Sydney. Australia's wicketkeeper Alex Carey gave an update on Starc's fitness and availability for the next match.

Starc, who has faced numerous injuries over the years, showed signs of discomfort during the Boxing Day Test recently. He had to leave the field during the latter part of India's first innings on Day 3. But the veteran came back on the field the next day and batted without any issues.

The left-arm seamer then bowled 16 overs in the second innings and also played a key role in Australia's dramatic victory on the last day of the Test match. He finished with 1-25 in the innings and picked up the big wicket of Virat Kohli.

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"He'll be fine" - Alex Carey on Mitchell Starc's fitness

Wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey is confident of Mitchell Starc's availability for the next match. Carey called Starc one of the toughest cricketers he has seen and he expects the quick to play in Sydney.

"He'll be fine. He'll push through. I've played with Starcy (Mitchell Starc) for a long time now, and (he's) one of the toughest cricketers I've played with. He'll grimace, he'll grab his rib no doubt, but he'll be ready for the contest," Carey said to the reporters in Sydney.

Starc has the ability to push through severe pains and bowl his heart out. Despite being in pain at the MCG, he was able to bowl at speeds close to 140 kph on a regular basis which augurs well for him and Australia.

Alex Carey on Mitchell Starc's spell on the final day

Alex Carey has had the best view of Mitchell Starc's bowling in a match among all the Australian players. Being the wicketkeeper, he has observed Starc from close quarters. Further speaking on Starc's performance throughout the series, Alex Carey hailed him for his spell on the fifth day.

"I thought first spell (in the second innings) without the reward was some of the best bowling I've seen this series from him. He's a quality player and has been for a long time," Alex Carey noted.

"He's got an opportunity now to help this team in a Test match. He'll be up for the contest, and I think his bowling's just gotten better throughout the series," he added.

Mitchell Starc's numbers in BGT 2024-25

Starc registered figures of 0-86 in the first innings but came back well in the next one. He is currently the fourth-highest wicket-taker of the series with 15 wickets in 4 Tests at an average of 28.73.

If Starc misses out for the next match, right-arm fast bowler Jhye Richardson is likely to come into the Playing XI. Richardson last played a Test three years ago as his career has been badly affected by injuries.