Glenn McGrath gives his views on Mitchell Starc’s unconfirmed participation in the Sydney Test

There is something about Australian speedster Mitchell Starc and the iconic Boxing Day Test. Starc has missed the fixture a total of six times in seven seasons due to injuries! This year, he missed out on the game after injuring his heel in Perth where Steve Smith’s century guided the Kangaroos to another win. Starc was seen bowling at the SCG nets on Tuesday, showing no signs of discomfort.

Starc will be vital to Australia’s success against South Africa

Legendary fast bowler Glenn McGrath has, however, opined that Starc should play the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney if only he is cent percent fit. With the four-Test tour of South Africa not too far away, McGrath is afraid to utilise a half-fit Starc in Sydney.

“You’d love Mitchell Starc to be playing, there’s no doubt about it. Someone who bowls at that pace, attacking lengths that he bowls and swings the ball. You want him playing every game possible, especially at his home ground here. But with a big tour of South Africa coming up … if he’s 100 percent fit I’d play him. If he’s not quite there, unfortunately (they) might have to let him have a rest and have him ready for South Africa,” cricket.com.au quoted the trailblazer of Chennai’s MRF Pace Foundation as saying.

Starc is in incredible form

The 27-year-old has 19 wickets in three Ashes Tests this season and sits on top of the series’ wicket-takers’ list. On a slow and flat MCG wicket (where Starc has historically played very less cricket), the pacer’s absence was clearly felt as Australia’s bowling attack couldn’t create an Ashes whitewash. The left-armer has been spearheading Australia’s pace attack for most of the past decade.

The fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which is more of a feast for the spinners, starts on 4th January. Australia lead 3-0 in the series after the fourth Test in Melbourne was a draw.

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