Starc ramps up bid for SCG Test return
MITCHELL Starc has convinced himself he is ready to return in the Ashes finale, now Australia’s spearhead must do the same with selectors.
Starc didn’t drink a drop of alcohol on the night Australia celebrated reclaiming the urn in Perth, desperate to be fit for the MCG dead rubber. That proved an unrealistic goal but the leftarmer’s bruised heel has since improved dramatically. Starc appears confident he won’t be a liability in the fifth Test that starts on Thursday.
The express paceman took part in fielding drills at the SCG on Tuesday then spent over half an hour bowling off his full run-up without any signs of discomfort.
He generated impressive pace in the nets then had a long chat with team doctor Richard Saw and physio David Beakley, who both appeared happy with proceedings.
Saw, Beakley, chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns and coach Darren Lehmann must now weigh up the various pros and cons. If Starc pulls up well today it’s likely to be a complex and involved debate because he is one of the team’s most important assets for the coming tour of South Africa.
“He’s really keen to play and he was pretty confident,” Pat Cummins said.
“He looked like he was bowling quick – now it’s seeing how it recovers.
“He’s played a lot of cricket now and he knows his body pretty well and what he can get through. I’m sure they will take a lot of it on his word.”
Cummins suffered a bruised heel on his Test debut in 2011, kickstarting almost six years of injury hell, but he suggested Starc’s setback was more minor. “If you keep smashing it, it will get bigger and bigger but he says it’s in a good spot now,” Cummins said.
“The last couple of weeks it’s definitely got a lot better.”
Glenn McGrath, who also suffered the painful injury during his storied career, preached caution. “With a big tour of South Africa coming up, if he’s 100 per cent fit I’d play him,” McGrath said.
“If he’s not quite there, unfortunately (they) might have to let him have a rest.”
England opener Mark Stoneman said Starc’s absence made “quite a difference” in Melbourne, suggesting it lightened the pressure.
Steve Smith was unable to bat yesterday because of a sore back but the skipper is expected to play the final Test.
The Sydney pitch will play a big part in deciding the structure of Smith’s side. If it’s a flat track it is unlikely Starc will play. Ashton Agar has been added to Australia’s squad but the deck is covered with grass, fuelling expectations the leftarm spinner will be left out.