Blow for Australia! 'Mitchell Starc won’t play Sydney Test'

Former Australian cricketer Kerry O’Keeffe has raised doubts about Mitchell Starc playing in the fifth and final Test against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Kerry O’Keeffe said that Mitchell Starc won’t play in the Sydney Test even if he is fit, due to his poor bowling record at the venue.

Starc seemed to sustain a side strain during India's first innings in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. The Australian pacer had a disappointing outing with the ball in the first innings, finishing with figures of 0-86 from 25 overs. He conceded runs at an economy rate of 3.44 and bowled only two maidens.

Mitchell Starc Won’t Play Sydney - Kerry O’Keeffe

Starc stated after day four that he was fit to bowl 20 overs on day five if needed. However, Kerry O’Keeffe believes Starc will not feature in the Sydney Test, adding Australia may opt for a "horses for courses" approach in their selection.

“Starc, it hasn’t swung for anybody, but he has said, I am good to bowl 20 overs tomorrow. He won’t play Sydney. That’s his worst ground statistically, Mitchell Starc. He averages 44 per wicket there; 44 that’s so high,” O’Keeffe said on Fox Cricket’s Test Daily.

Starc's record at the Sydney Cricket Ground has been underwhelming. The 34-year-old pacer has managed just 24 wickets in nine matches at the venue at an average of 44.16, with best figures of 3-25 in an innings.

He Has Got to Fly in Elastically Over After Over - Kerry O’Keeffe

Kerry O’Keeffe said that Mitchell Starc should give his maximum effort to secure an Australian victory in Melbourne before being rested for the Sydney Test.

“This is his day. He has got to fly in elastically over after over. He’s a factor,” O’Keeffe said of Starc in Melbourne on day five.

When asked about injury concerns after day four, Mitchell Starc said that he was fine, stating, "I’m all good. I’ll push on." He also expressed readiness to bowl 20 overs the next day if required.

“I’m all good. I’ll push on. It’s not something that’s bothering me. My pace is still up, I still bowled a spell after it and I’m still in the low 140s (km/h). I’m not concerned. If I need to bowl 20 tomorrow, I’ll bowl 20,” he said on ABC Radio.

Sean Abbott or Jhye Richardson Could Play in Sydney If Mitchell Starc Is Unavailable

Josh Hazlewood was initially sidelined from the second Test in Adelaide due to a side strain. Hazlewood made his return in Brisbane, only to be ruled out for the remainder of the series with a calf injury.

Sean Abbott was called up for the Boxing Day Test, while Jhye Richardson also joined the squad for the first time in over three years after a series of injuries. Richardson, who has played three Tests, took 11 wickets. Abbott, who has yet to make his Test debut, has had a decent career in limited-overs cricket.

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