AUS vs IND 2024-25: Carey confident of Starc's participation in SCG Test despite back issue

Mitchell Starc has been one of the cornerstones of the Australian Test side since quite some time now. He has always given it his all regardless of the conditions at play. Starc's track record in the format might not be as alluring as it is in the ODI format, however, scalping 373 wickets in 93 Tests is no mean feat.

The robust Australian quick is currently involved in the 2024-25 edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, he was seen grabbing and stretching his back on multiple occasions during the recently-concluded fourth Test against India, leading to questions on his participation in the fifth and final Test of the series in Sydney from January 3.

Amid the speculations, his teammate and Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey has expressed confidence that Starc will be in the New Year's Test XI.

"He'll be fine. He'll push through. I've played with Starcy for a long time now, and [he's] one of the toughest cricketers I've played with. He'll grimace, he'll grab his rib no doubt, but he'll be ready for the contest," Carey was as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Carey went onto compliment Starc's efforts in the second innings of the previous Test, in which he ended up with figures reading 16-8-25-1, and admitted that he had upped his game progressively.

"I thought the first spell [in the second innings] without the reward was some of the best bowling I've seen this series from him. He's a quality player and has been for a long time. He's got an opportunity now to help this team in a Test match. He'll be up for the contest, and I think his bowling's just gotten better throughout the series," noted Carey.

Also Read: AUS vs IND 2024-25: Glenn McGrath wants Mitchell Starc to play Sydney Test despite injury concerns

If we are able to secure the trophy, it would be fantastic: Carey

The southpaw spoke on the prospect of cementing their spot in the final of the ongoing cycle of the World Test Championship as well as reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

"[It would be] a reward for 24 months of really solid cricket. It is a group that is extremely experienced, skilful, [with] Australian legends amongst it, who are continuing to surprise us with how good they are, but 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. So for this group, it's head down, another opportunity to win a Test match, and if are able to secure the trophy, it would be fantastic," he added.

The last couple of Test series Down Under have ended with India emerging triumphant. With a mere draw in the fifth and final Test of the series, Australia will end up reclaiming the title, as well have one foot into the final of the WTC.