Boxing Day gig hinges on scan

CRICKET MITCHELL Starc looks set for scans on his bruised heel later this week as the Australian fast bowler fights to prove his fitness for the Boxing Day Test.

Jackson Bird is on standby to come into the attack at the MCG, with selectors and medical staff needing to seriously weigh up the risks of pushing their spearhead quick too far when there’s an important South African Test tour around the corner.

Starc arrived back in Sydney yesterday on crutches as he tries to rest his sore heel, but the big left-armer has already told captain Steve Smith he wants to play.

For one of Australia’s most established stars, Starc has had a cursed run with the iconic Boxing Day Test, and has played only one in his career.

Teammate Usman Khawaja said Starc’s injury wasn’t overly serious and he would be desperate to play.

“I think Starcy is doing all right. I’m sure whatever the case is, he’s going to be doing everything he can to play on Boxing Day,” Khawaja said.

“He bowled beautifully this game. He was obviously in a bit of pain. But I think they’re going to have to assess it in the next couple of days. You never know what’s really happening until you get a bit of a break.

“Hopefully, he’ll be there for Boxing Day.”

Bird hasn’t played a Test match since the corresponding MCG match against Pakistan last year, however, he has been in superb form in the Sheffield Shield.

The ultra-consistent rightarmer has taken 25 wickets in NO CERTAINTY: Mitchell Starc arrives at Sydney Airport. four matches this season, including a barnstorming fivewicket haul for Tasmania against South Australia.

Australia face an agonising call over Starc because players regard Boxing Day and the SCG Tests as the pinnacle, and being part of an Ashes whitewash is a rare achievement.

However, selectors may also think there’s bigger fish to fry now that the series has been wrapped up.

Beating South Africa on similar pitches to what this Ashes has been played on will require Australia’s outstanding pace bowling attack firing on all cylinders.

As Starc’s “ball of the century” delivery at the WACA showed, there is no bowler in world cricket capable of his lethal pace, swing and bounce.

Scans are likely for Starc and an update on his progress is expected by the end of the week.

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