(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Australia left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc, who is part of the team’s 15-member squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, has given a major update on his injury and probable comeback into the playing XI.
Starc, who is in the Australia contingent for the ongoing three-match ODI series against India, didn’t feature in the first two fixtures due to his recovery. Australia has only one ODI left against India and two official warm-up games for the World Cup before their first big game of the marquee event on October 8.
After the Ashes series against England held in June-July 2023, Starc didn’t play any international match due to a left shoulder injury.
He was also hit by a groin injury, which caused him to miss the recently-concluded ODI series against South Africa.
In a video released by ‘cricketcomau’ on their Instagram handle, Starc provided details on his recovery.
“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. 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,” Starc said.
Furthermore, Starc expressed his desire to contribute to the team’s success and also expressed disappointment on missing out on the last few matches against South Africa and India.
“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 fonthe World Cup and getting used to conditions here in India. Hopefully, we can… take some momentum into the World Cup,” he added.
Starc, who was a member of the 2015 World Cup-winning squad and Player of the Tournament, took 22 wickets in eight matches in the competition held in Australia. He also rocked the stage in the 2019 Cricket World Cup held in England, where he took 27 wickets in 10 matches.