Carey Optimistic About Starc's Participation in Crucial Sydney Test Despite Injury Concerns
Click to start listening
Sydney, Jan 1 (NationPress) Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey is optimistic that pacer Mitchell Starc will recover in time to participate in the fifth Test, even as he deals with rib discomfort experienced during the Boxing Day Test, which Australia won by 184 runs.
Starc faced rib and back pain throughout the Boxing Day Test and subsequently underwent precautionary imaging tests. The left-arm pacer has bowled a total of 131.2 overs across the four Tests against India.
“He’s one of the toughest cricketers I’ve played with. He’ll grimace, he’ll grab his ribs no doubt at times... But he’ll be ready for the contest,” Carey remarked to reporters on Wednesday, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald.
Despite taking only one wicket in the fourth Test, which included the important dismissal of Virat Kohli during India’s second-innings chase, Carey praised the 34-year-old’s performance at the MCG.
“I thought that first spell, without the reward, was some of the best bowling I’ve seen in this series from him. He’s got an opportunity now to help this team win a Test match. He’ll be up for the contest,” he added.
The typically damp weather in Sydney during the SCG Test appears to have improved this year, with only light rain expected on days four and five.
Discussing the weather conditions, Carey said, “There are always jokes about it. I think this wicket sets up really well for a good Test match. It looks like there’ll be a bit in it early. There’s nice grass coverage.”
Currently leading the series 2-1, Australia needs only a draw to secure the Border-Gavaskar series for the first time in 10 years, while India must win in Sydney to maintain the series.
“We can’t look too far ahead. We know it’s a really quality outfit in India, who have shown they are well and truly capable of bouncing back with quality players, legends of Test cricket. So for this group, it’s head down, another opportunity to win a Test match, and if we are able to secure the trophy, it would be fantastic,” Carey stated.
The fifth and final Test of the series is set to commence on Friday at Sydney Cricket Ground.
