IND vs AUS: Mitchell Starc shares update on injury and potential return

Australia pacer Mitchell Starc missed the first two ODIs against India but he is expected to return for the third and last match in Rajkot. He is a vital member for the national team and can prove to be deadly in the upcoming ODI World Cup, which is slated to begin on October 5 in India. Notably, the southpaw injured his left shoulder during the 2023 Ashes and later suffered a groin injury, which ruled him out of the series against South Africa.

Sharing an update on his injury, Starc mentioned that he is feeling much better and is hopeful that the remaining three matches (the third match against India and two warm-up games before the World Cup) will be enough to get back into rhythm. He clarified that the shoulder is feeling good and also, the groin injury got better as he got an extended period of recovery.

“That's obviously the priority. Hopefully, I get a roll out in game three, and if not, we've got those two warm-up games (in Thiruvananthapuram on September 30 and Hyderabad on October 3). 

“There was a few things going on during the Ashes, which we found out post-Ashes. There was a little bit going on in the (groin) region … so that's obviously lengthened the recovery time. The shoulder has been good since the Ashes; it's just making sure that I was ready to go for the World Cup and not compromising that,” Starc was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au

It's never enjoyable watching when I'm hoping to contribute: Mitchell Starc

Starc also expressed that he is desperate to hit the ground running. He also stated that the team was playing well but was unfortunate to finish well against the Proteas. However, he expects the team to do well against India to gain some momentum ahead of the ODI World Cup.

“I've spent some time through my career watching from the side so it's never enjoyable watching when I'm hoping to contribute. The guys have been playing some good cricket, it was disappointing not to close out that series in South Africa. Now, it's all eyes for the World Cup and getting used to conditions here in India. Hopefully, we can… take some momentum into the World Cup,” Starc added.