The Ashes 2017/18: Mitchell Starc Hopeful Of Playing Sydney Test
Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc is still harbouring hopes of having a last hurrah in the ongoing Ashes by playing the final Test in Sydney.
The left-arm pacer pulled out of the ongoing Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground at the last moment with the bruised heel which he sustained during the third Test in Perth. The speedster was desperate to play the penultimate game and even refused to drink alcohol the night teammates celebrated reclaiming the urn following the crushing win over Joe Root & Co. at the WACA to take an unassailable 3-0 lead.
The injury-prone pacer got rid of the crutches at the weekend but could not train before making up his mind to sit out the game following a brief conversation with the team’s physio and doctor on Christmas Eve.
While speaking on Nine Network during a commentary stint, Starc said that he could have played the ongoing game under duress, but it would have been selfish to do so. The pacer is now hopeful of taking the field when the last Ashes Test gets underway on January 4.
“I am not having much luck with my front foot,” Starc told Nine Network.
“Hopefully it will be good enough (for the SCG Test). It was touch and go for this one. It was a bit more caution than anything. We will see how it comes up next week … (brusied heels) aren’t too predictable. Hopefully it goes away in the next couple of days and I can get ready for Sydney,” added Starc who has only played one of his 39 Tests at the MCG since making his debut in 2011.
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Jackson Bird has replaced Starc in the MCG Test (Credits: Getty)Meanwhile, with the series already in pocket, the Australian team-management will not be looking to risk Starc’s fitness. With Steve Smith & Co. set to tour South Africa next year, the team will be keen to have the express pacer fully fit.
WATCH: Mitchell Starc cleaned up James Vince with a peach of a delivery
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