Australia’s star pacer Mitchell Starc will most likely be filling in for captain Pat Cummins in the third Test of the four-match series against India in Indore starting on March 1.
“I don’t think it’s going to be 100 per cent for a fair while but certainly good enough – the ball is coming out quite nicely and I feel pretty much at full tilt,” Starc was quoted as saying by Fox Sports.
“It wouldn’t be the first Test match I’ve played in some sort of discomfort. If I only played when I was 100 per cent I probably only would’ve played in five or ten Tests,” he added.
“Workload wise, body wise, there’s no concern at all … I’m completely comfortable with where my numbers are and where my body is at,” said the left-arm fast bowler.
“You’ve got to be prepared to bowl at any point, whether that be looking like shorter spells but also working with the guy at the other end. (Another focus) is the footmarks that I can produce as well … I certainly produce more than the Indian guys, being heavier at the crease,” he further said.
Cummins has got the complete support of the group: Mitchell Starc
“Having been through a similar situation recently, it’s a hard place to be trying to get your head around playing international cricket, and for him to captain at the same time,” Starc said.
“We’re sons, partners, fathers and people first and cricketers second. (Cummins) has got the complete support of the group … it’s been tough to see him go through it from afar.”
“He’s done it for a long time, I’ve played a lot of cricket with Steve as captain as well, so personally it’s been pretty easy. The couple of Tests he had to do in Adelaide (filling in for Cummins in 2021 and 2022) were really successful for the group, so hopefully, it’s another great week for our team,” he said.
