Mitchell Starc likely to miss Sydney Test due to finger injury
Mitchell Starc in action [Source: AP]
Despite being in a strong position in the ongoing Boxing Day Test against South Africa, Australia received some worrying news about pacer Mitchell Starc.
Starc, who injured his finger on Day 1 of the second Test, is likely to miss the third and final Test at his home ground in Sydney commencing January 3.
According to The Age, the left-arm pacer has suffered tendon damage to his finger, and is an extremely doubtful starter for the upcoming match.
Starc could bowl in the second innings of the MCG Test, however, the team management is unwilling to take further risks with the all-important India tour coming up.
The 32-year-old suffered the injury while attempting for a catch, where the ball managed to brush the middle finger of his bowling arm. A heavily strapped finger ensured he could not bowl further in the innings.
This is Starc's second freak finger injury this year. Earlier, he sliced his index finger during Australia's tour of Sri Lanka. Josh Hazlewood is likely to replace him if he is indeed ruled out.
Australia lead the series 1-0 after winning the Perth Test. As of writing, the hosts are 244 for 2 in response to South Africa's first innings total of 189 runs.
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