WATCH: Mitchell Starc's nasty bouncer to Travis Head in nets

Australia pacer Mitchell Starc has been breathing fire in the nets ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, slated to begin on November 22. During one practice session, the star pacer was spotted bowling bouncers to Travis Head, which he failed to time it as it hit it at the top of his bat. The video of the same has gone viral on social media as the fans expect the Australia international to be equally dangerous in the first Test in Perth.

Starc is getting ready for BGT. 💀 pic.twitter.com/WJ0d0UY5dA

— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) November 20, 2024

The conditions at the Optus Stadium will help the seamers as the surface will offer extra bounce. Head pitch curator Issac McDonald has prepared a green top and due to rain, the pitch has remained under covers for a significant time, which might further trouble the batters. Even though the curator expects no snake cracks but noted that the surface will deteriorate in the following days.

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In that case, the bowlers will play a massive role in the game. The Australian unit seems sorted with Pat Cummins leading the bowling unit alongside Starc and Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh as the fourth pacer. If required, the team can turn to Marnus Labuschagne for the fifth pace bowling option. When it comes to spin, Nathan Lyon will hold the key.

India, on the other hand, are likely to hand the debut cap to Harshit Rana. The Delhi-born pacer is competing for a spot alongside Prasidh Krishna but given Rana’s pace and ability to bat, India are considering him for the first Test. Apart from that, Nitish Kumar Reddy is set to make his debut. He will have the responsibility of the fourth seamer and his batting ability will also help the team. One amongst R Ashwin or Washington Sundar is set to be the lone spinner.

Meanwhile, the visitors are slightly on the back foot, given their recent performance against New Zealand at home. If they suffer a series defeat to Australia, the Rohit Sharma-led side will be out of contention for the upcoming World Test Championship finale.