Australia’s pace sensation, Mitchell Starc, may have missed the first two ODIs against India, but his eagerly anticipated return for the third and final match in Rajkot promises a major boost for the national team. With the ODI World Cup just around the corner, commencing on October 5 in India, Starc’s presence looms as a potential game-changer.
The left-arm pacer had endured setbacks, suffering a left shoulder injury during the 2023 Ashes series, followed by a troublesome groin injury that ruled him out of the series against South Africa. However, offering an update on his condition, Starc expressed optimism about his recovery.
He conveyed that he’s feeling significantly better and is hopeful that the forthcoming three matches (the third ODI against India and two warm-up games preceding the World Cup) will serve as a pathway to regain his rhythm. He reassured that his shoulder feels good, and the extended recovery period has notably improved his groin injury.
Starc stated, “That’s obviously the priority. Hopefully, I get a roll out in game three, and if not, we’ve got those two warm-up games (in Thiruvananthapuram on September 30 and Hyderabad on October 3). There was a few things going on during the Ashes, which we found out post-Ashes. There was a little bit going on in the (groin) region … so that’s obviously lengthened the recovery time. The shoulder has been good since the Ashes; it’s just making sure that I was ready to go for the World Cup and not compromising that,” as reported by cricket.com.au.
Starc’s determination to hit the ground running is palpable. He acknowledged that the team had performed admirably but fell short against South Africa. However, he remains optimistic about Australia’s prospects against India and believes that gaining momentum in these matches is crucial for a successful campaign in the ODI World Cup.
“I’ve spent some time through my career watching from the side so it’s never enjoyable watching when I’m hoping to contribute. The guys have been playing some good cricket, it was disappointing not to close out that series in South Africa. Now, it’s all eyes for the World Cup and getting used to conditions here in India. Hopefully, we can… take some momentum into the World Cup,” Starc added.
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