Skipper in injury scare
MITCHELL Starc sent a painful message to captain Aaron Finch that he is determined to spearhead Australia’s bid to turn around one of the worst losing records in their one-day history.
Finch was struck on the finger by a Starc thunderbolt yesterday during training at the WACA, and immediately threw his bat down in agony before ripping his gloves off.
He was whisked away by medical staff but returned from a scan with a clean bill of health and declared he would be right to open the batting tomorrow in Perth.
Starc is vying to return from a hamstring injury and could be in a head-to-head battle with Pat Cummins for the remaining place in the attack to face South Africa in the series-opener at Perth Stadium.
New vice-captain Josh Hazlewood will lead the attack and local boy Nathan Coulter-Nile is in line to play his first ODI in more than 12 months, leaving Starc and Cummins potentially gunning for one place.
In addition to Australia’s horror week off the field, the Aussies have remarkably lost 16 of their last 18 one-day internationals.
Hitting the skipper isn’t always the smartest way to put your selection case forward, but Starc feels his body is ready after sending down eight overs during centre-wicket practice yesterday.
“He’s here, he’s got his finger still attached,” said Starc.
“The hammy is feeling pretty good. If it pulls up well tomorrow morning I’ll be available for selection and then it’s up to the selectors I guess.”