AUS vs SA: Injured Mitchell Starc eyeing full recovery ahead of India tour

Mitchell Starc, who sustained an injury to the tip of the middle finger of his bowling arm during the morning session on Day 1 while taking a catch at long-on has stated that he is eyeing full recovery ahead of the four-match Test series against team India in February 2023.

Australia registered a massive win by an innings and 182 runs on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test against visitors South Africa at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and have taken an unassailable lead (2-0) in the ongoing three-match Test series.

The pace spearhead Starc dislocated the middle finger on his left hand but was seen bowling despite blood dripping off his finger during the second red-ball contest against the Proteas.

“I wasn't exactly sure (on his finger injury), just wanted to know if I could bowl through the pain, I'll be out of action for a few weeks, but it was worth it. I will have to see what the issue is, what the damages are. Obviously, I want to come back as soon as possible with the India tour coming up,” told Starc during the post-match presentation as quoted by Cricbuzz.

South Africa got bundled out for just 204 runs in their second innings, all thanks to the combined bowling effort from the Australian bowlers. Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland picked five wickets between them and skipper Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Steve Smith picked a wicket each to help the hosts bag the second game of the series.

Australia in contention for spot in finals of ICC WTC 2021-23

After rightfully earning the victory against the visitors, Australia are inching closer to a spot in the summit clash of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle. The side currently stands on top of the points table with ten wins and 132 points. Their PCT (%) is 78.57.

Following the conclusion of the South Africa series, the Aussies will take up their next red-ball assignment against team India in an away series in February. The two sides will lock horns in a four-match Test series starting February 9, 2023.