Steven Smith will Return to Test Cricket at his Best - Mitchell Starc

Australia fast bowler, Mitchell Starc admitted suspended cricketer, Steven Smith will return to Test cricket at his best, days after the latter lost his pinnacle Test batsmen spot to India skipper Virat Kohli.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli toppled Smith in the recent ICC Test Rating riding on his 200 runs across both innings against England at Edgbaston.

Steven Smith had been the world’s leading batsman in the most extended format for 32 months. However, he didn’t feature for Australia since March, as Cricket Australia (CA) handed him a 12-month ban.

CA also handed bans to David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, other two involved in the scandal. But Mitchell Starc is confident all three can be back to their best once they return.

“Knowing Steven Smith over the last few years – and actually even longer around the New South Wales set-up as well – he’s a tireless worker,” Starc told Omnisport. “He hits more balls than anyone, he just loves the game of cricket. “I’ve no doubt that he and the other two can be back to the top of their games and scoring hundreds and dominating bowling attacks around the world again,” he added.

However, all three have returned to cricket after a significant gap. Steven Smith and David Warner in the Global T20 Canada and Bancroft at the club-cricket level in Australia. Mitchell Starc is happy to see the trio back in the cricket field.

“It was a tough few weeks – seeing all three of the guys, you wouldn’t wish upon anyone,” he added. “They’re back in cricket now, which is great to see all three of them playing cricket. Cam’s in Darwin and Dave and Steve have been playing in Canada. It’s great to see the three guys back in cricket, a game they love,” Mitchell Starc noted.

Mitchell Starc will be back to cricket soon

Mitchell Starc was also absent due to a stress fracture in his leg, which ensured he missed the Indian Premier League campaign.

However, Starc is hopeful to return to fitness in time for Australia’s next five-day fixture against Pakistan in October.

“If all’s going well and stays on track as it is I’ll be available for selection for that tour,” Starc said. Hopefully, I can get on that one and get back into cricket. It’s been a long and slow process – one I’m all too familiar with, unfortunately,” Mitchell Starc concluded.