'I don’t think it’s going to be 100 per cent' - Mitchell Starc comments on his fitness ahead of third Test against India

Australia's star seamer Mitchell Starc will most likely be filling in for captain Pat Cummins in the third Test of the four-match series against India in Indore starting on March 1. The left-arm seamer will probably be named the sole specialist fast bowler alongside allrounder Cameron Green (if he plays) with both recovering from finger injuries.

The 33-year-old revealed that his bowling arm’s middle finger will remain in a splint for at least two more weeks which will cause him discomfort while bowling. Green has declared himself fit for the third Test while Starc said that he has rarely gone into a game without feeling some pain.

“I don’t think it’s going to be 100 per cent for a fair while but certainly good enough – the ball is coming out quite nicely and I feel pretty much at full tilt,” Starc was quoted as saying by Fox Sports.

“It wouldn’t be the first Test match I’ve played in some sort of discomfort. If I only played when I was 100 per cent I probably only would’ve played in five or ten Tests," he added.

Despite him not being at his 100 per cent, the Aussie quick said he had no concerns to be the leader of the pace attack in Pat Cummins' absence who’s gone back to Australia to be alongside his ailing mother.

“Workload wise, body wise, there’s no concern at all … I’m completely comfortable with where my numbers are and where my body is at,” said the left-arm fast bowler.

“You’ve got to be prepared to bowl at any point, whether that be looking like shorter spells but also working with the guy at the other end. (Another focus) is the footmarks that I can produce as well … I certainly produce more than the Indian guys, being heavier at the crease," he further said.

Starc and his family also went through a heart-wrenching period two years ago when he lost his father Paul to cancer and seeing Cummins go through a similar situation with his family is hard to see for the Australian quick.

Cummins has got the complete support of the group: Mitchell Starc

“Having been through a similar situation recently, it’s a hard place to be trying to get your head around playing international cricket, and for him to captain at the same time,” Starc said.

“We’re sons, partners, fathers and people first and cricketers second. (Cummins) has got the complete support of the group … it’s been tough to see him go through it from afar.”

Starc further commented on Steve Smith donning the captain’s hat in the third Test saying that the squad has found it easy to transition again to play under his captaincy.

“He’s done it for a long time, I’ve played a lot of cricket with Steve as captain as well, so personally it’s been pretty easy. The couple of Tests he had to do in Adelaide (filling in for Cummins in 2021 and 2022) were really successful for the group, so hopefully, it’s another great week for our team," he said.