‘We're pretty confident it will be right tomorrow’ - Australia play down Mitchell Starc’s injury woes ahead of Day 3 of fourth Ashes Test

Day 2 of the fourth Ashes 2023 Test was full of ups and downs for visitors Australia. After notching up 317 runs on the board in the first innings, the Aussies fell prey to the fantastic batting attack of England. In a classic display of ‘Bazball’ cricket, England scored 384 runs on the board with the loss of four wickets when stumps were called on Day 2. 

Apart from the excellent batting performance from England, one big worry for the Aussies could be the possible injury to star pacer Mitchell Starc. The 33-year-old landed heavily on his shoulder after he dived at mid-on in the 65th over of the game to stop a shot from Harry Brook. After the landing, Starc left the field with the physio before returning in the following over.

After the play, Starc was seen receiving ice treatment, and it was also reported that there were no intentions of sending him for an initial scan as the assistant coach, Daniel Vettori, was of the opinion that his injury was nothing serious, neither his leg nor the shoulder.

"I think the leg is good, no issues there; the shoulder, we saw what happened in the field; he's currently got some ice on it, and we're pretty confident it will be right tomorrow," Vettori was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Three balls in a row came to him, he didn't quite feel comfortable throwing it: Vettori

Furthermore, discussing Mitchell Starc's injury situation, the Australia assistant coach said that even though he was yet to talk with the pacer regarding his injury and how he was feeling while playing on the field. Vettori believes that Starc certainly seemed uncomfortable while throwing the ball. Notably, before going out of the field, the pacer had to do the fielding chores thrice in tandem. 

"He's one of those guys who doesn't like to spend too long off the park. But he got straight into a hot spot and three balls in a row came to him in the field and he didn't quite feel comfortable throwing it. I haven't actually spoken to him but that's what it looked [like]. We're all pretty confident he can bounce back tomorrow," Vettori concluded.

It would be interesting to see what Day 3 of the fourth Ashes Test holds for Australia. The side would be keen to bundle England out as soon as possible and limit their total going into the second innings.