BGT 2024-25: Starc Expresses Optimism About Hazlewood's Return in Series
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New Delhi, Dec 4 (NationPress) Australia’s left-arm fast-bowling leader Mitchell Starc indicated that the team remains optimistic about Josh Hazlewood making a comeback in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, despite the pacer being ruled out of the upcoming day-night Test in Adelaide against India due to a side strain.
"He’s feeling hopeful. Nathan, he, and I were training in the gym earlier this week in Sydney. He’s currently with us in Adelaide, working on his recovery. We are optimistic he will contribute at some stage," Starc mentioned, adding, "It’s definitely not a significant tear. He managed to recognize the discomfort early, preventing a major injury. We are very hopeful that – regardless of whether he plays in Brisbane – he will still feature in this series," Starc stated during his appearance on cricket.com.au's Unplayable Podcast.
With Hazlewood unavailable, it appears that seamer Scott Boland is the front-runner to step into the playing eleven for the Adelaide match. If selected, this will mark Boland’s return to Test action at the Adelaide venue after 18 months.
Starc has confidence in Boland, who boasts 35 wickets at an average of 20.34 over 10 Tests, to perform well in Adelaide. "I’m not certain who they’ll select, but Scotty has been around for a while and has experience with pink-ball games. He enjoys playing here, especially in conditions that favor swing and seam," he noted.
"We witnessed his abilities during the PM's XI match when the pitch was offering some assistance. I played against him in a Shield game a few weeks back at the MCG, where he was returning from a couple of minor injuries and starting to find his rhythm again.
"You could see he was close to regaining the form we all know he possesses. If he gets the opportunity this week, he will be the Scotty we recognize and have seen perform before," Starc added.
The strength of both India and Australia will be put to the test as they have merely three days to transition from the conclusion of the Adelaide Test to the third match of the series at The Gabba in Brisbane.
"Next week will present a challenge, transitioning from a day-night Test in Adelaide to the early start in Brisbane. It’s a challenge in itself – first-world problems – but it does require some adjustments in preparation," Starc concluded.
