Last Update on: September 26th, 2023 at 10:52 pm
Australia pacer Mitchell Starc provided a positive update about his fitness ahead of the third ODI against India in Rajkot. He revealed that his recovery is on track and he will most likely play the last game of the series if everything goes well for him.
The Australian team didn’t play their full-strength XI in the first two games against India. The reason behind that has been the injuries in the camp. Mitchell Starc missed the two games along with all-rounder Glenn Maxwell whereas some other key players were rested.
Mitchell Starc suffered groin soreness during the Ashes 2023 and after that he was ruled out of the five-match ODI series against South Africa. He traveled to India with the team but was deemed unfit to play for the first two games. The team management also didn’t want to risk him, considering the ICC World Cup 2023 is around the corner.
Mitchell Starc, however, has been declared fit and might be in the starting XI for the final game. But according to him, if the practice session goes according to him without any problems then he will be there for the last match. He isn’t keen to risk him ahead of the World Cup. Speaking to reporters, he explained:
“It’s on track. Obviously, the priority is the World Cup so if that means we have to be mindful of tomorrow that’s one thing, but we’ll see how today goes, see how I pull up in the morning. The goal is to play tomorrow, but what that looks like depends on how today goes, the priority being the World Cup and not compromising that.”
With the ICC World Cup 2023 around the corner, Mitchell Starc will be the crucial aspect for Australia. He activates his beast mode when it comes to the ICC tournaments. Since the last few World Cups, he has been the team’s best bowler.
Glenn Maxwell has come back as well – Mitchell Starc
Apart from Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell also missed the first two games of the series. He has been out of action for a while and was also ruled out of the T20I series against South Africa. The all-rounder had soreness in his leg and following that, he missed the ODI series due to the birth of his child.
Glenn Maxwell took part in the net session ahead of the third ODI, which indicates that he might be back. Australia might play a full-strength XI in the last game, which will well be an ideal preparation for them ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023.
Mitchell Starc confirmed that Glenn Maxwell has returned to the team. He highlighted the all-rounder’s experience and said that he would be an X factor for the team in the World Cup. He explained:
“Yeah, Glenn [Maxwell] has come back as well. He is on track. I am not sure about his particular timeline but no doubt he will be looking to make an impact as soon as he gets his chance. He has got a wealth of experience over here through IPL, through multiple tours. He is certainly an X-factor no matter which team he plays in. This is his third one-day World Cup. He is an X-factor for us and certainly who can take the game on.
“His ability with the ball, particularly in these conditions, adds another option in the bowling department as well. He seems in good spirits and going really well, [but] his return I am not sure what that looks like for this week but certainly on track for the World Cup,” he concluded.
Australia have already lost the series after two disappointing performances in the first two games. However, with the ICC World Cup 2023 around the corner, the last game will be an opportunity for them to rectify all the errors going into the tournament.
