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Mitchell Starc Ready To Push Through Pain For His Team In Third Test Against India


image-lemfn0e8Mitchell Starc missed the first two Test vs India due to a finger injury (Twitter)

Australian seamer Mitchell Starc is expected to make his return to the Test team despite an ongoing finger injury. The left-arm quick sustained the injury during a fielding mishap at the Boxing Day Test, and has been in a splint for the past six weeks.

Although the speedster has resumed bowling in recent weeks, he acknowledges that his finger is not completely healed, with considerable scar tissue and swelling still present. 

The New South Wales bowler is expected to lead the Australian attack in the absence of Pat Cummins, who is unavailable due to a family illness. His return will provide much-needed support to the team, who have suffered back-to-back defeats against India in the first two Tests.

Speaking to reporters at Indore's Holkar Stadium, Starc said that he is confident in his ability to manage the pain and deliver for the team. He stated that he is willing to play in the upcoming Test match despite the discomfort in his left middle finger.

The southpaw acknowledged that there may be some level of discomfort for a while, but he feels that he is close to his full potential and the ball is coming out nicely. The veteran bowler emphasized that if he only played when he was completely fit, he would have only played five to 10 Tests. He also expressed contentment with his current situation and mentioned that he has developed a tolerance for discomfort over the last decade.

When asked about his ability to bowl the wobble-seam delivery, Starc did not provide a straightforward answer but instead said that they will have to see how it goes. He expressed confidence in his ability to handle a heavy workload in Indore, stating that he has no concerns about his body or workload and is happy with where he is at in terms of preparation for the series.

The 33-year-old reckoned that he has had enough time to rest and recover and is now focused on executing his skills during the game.

With Cummins absent, Starc could find some extra pace support from Cameron Green, who is also expected to make a return after his own finger injury. Scott Boland may also come into the mix if only two spinners are required. 

Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy will be celebrating Starc's return given his footmarks will help create rough to bowl into against India's right-hand heavy top-order.