'We all push through niggles and whatnot' - Motivated Mitchell Starc aims to win Ashes 2023 amid injury concerns

Even though Australia managed to retain the Ashes, the Pat Cummins-led side will be gunning to win the fifth and final Test in the Oval to secure their first series on English soil in over two decades. The visiting team started well with the ball, picking up three wickets in 16 overs and with that, England were under a lot of pressure. Ace pacer Mitchell Starc meanwhile was ruthless in the middle, picking up four wickets as the home team managed to post 283 runs on board in the first innings.

Meanwhile, despite dominating the opening day of the Test, there are certain concerns in the Australian team. Starc, who was already dealing with a shoulder injury, had to walk back to the dressing room as the 33-year-old was feeling some discomfort. Meanwhile, speaking about the injury after the end of Day 1, Starc assured that it’s nothing major and all have played through the injury in the past and he is happy to continue in the same manner.

“I've played for over ten years and been through a few niggles and injuries over time. There have been times when I've left the team a man down or other people have. We all push through niggles and whatnot. No difference this week, it's just a little bit of discomfort and away we go,” Starc was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

There's no reason not to get up for this week: Starc

Even though the ODI World Cup is set to begin in a little over two months’ time, Starc is not ready to relax as he remains determined to win the ongoing series. He added saying that he is not in a comfortable state but is ready to give his all for the team.

“It's not the most comfortable thing. But I don't think any bowler [in] international cricket is going to say it's something that's comfortable for the body. So just push on. We've got a big week ahead of us to try and win this Ashes series and then a few weeks off so there's no reason not to get up for this week,” the pacer mentioned.