Alex Carey believes Mitchell Starc will be ready to play in the Sydney Test against India despite his concerns over his fitness after the Boxing Day Test match.
Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey has expressed his unwavering support for pacer Mitchell Starc to play in the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against India, starting on Friday, January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground ( SCG).
Carey described Starc as “one of the toughest cricketers” he has played with, and believes the left-arm pacer will overcome his injury problems to make a significant impact.
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Starc, 34, showed visible signs of discomfort during the Boxing Day test in Melbourne, battling back and side pain. Despite his struggles, Starc pressed on in the game, claiming only one wicket in the match. With Australia aiming to secure their first Test series win against India in a decade, retaining Starc in the XI could prove vital.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Carey declared: “He’ll be fine. He will move on. I have played with Starcy for a long time and he is one of the toughest cricketers I have played with. “No doubt he will grimace at times and clutch his ribs, but he will be ready for the competition.”
While Starc’s record at the SCG is less than stellar (24 wickets in nine Tests at an average of 44.17), his experience and ability to perform under pressure make him a key figure in the Australian set-up. Starc’s fitness will also be re-evaluated ahead of Australia’s two-Test tour of Sri Lanka later this month.
Carey praises Indian stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
When asked about India’s senior batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have struggled for form in the series, Carey refused to underestimate their potential for a resurgence. The goalkeeper emphasized the need to remain alert against players of his caliber.
“They are champions of the game,” Carey said, quoted by Perth Now. “I don’t think I can say it that way. You could also make that argument for a Steve Smith or a Marnus (Labuschagne) against Bumrah from the start. The champions of the game find ways to go out and perform, and they are champions. “We have to be alert to not let them return to the series.”
With the series 2-1 in favor of Australia, the final test is crucial. A win in Sydney would not only mark a historic victory for Australia but would also cement its dominance in the ongoing rivalry with India. Rohit Sharma and Co., on the other hand, will look to level the series with a win and keep their hopes of qualifying for the WTC finals alive. All eyes are now on the SCG as both teams prepare for an intense showdown.
