Australia speedster Mitchell Starc said that he isn’t sure whether he will get to play in the ongoing five-match ODI series, but he is aiming to get back into the folds for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, starting on June 29.
Australia paceman Mitchell Starc is hopeful of playing at least some part in the One-Day International series against Sri Lanka after having stitches removed from a badly cut finger.
The left-arm pacer has already missed four games – two T20Is and now the first two ODIs – on the Sri Lanka tour and said that it was really frustrating to be sidelined despite feeling fit to play.
Actually, Starc split his index finger on his bowling hand on a shoe spike during the first T20I against Sri Lanka, and there is still glue in the wound, making him unable to play in the ongoing ODI series.
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He is taking part in the practice sessions and doing fine, but he can’t be part of the playing XI due to a rule banning taping on bowlers’ fingers on the bowling hand. However, Starc is confident to play in the Test series.
Mitchell Starc told reporters: “There’s still a fair bit of glue still in the wound. That will start to dissolve a bit more in the next couple of days. Once we get to Colombo we’ll have a look at it again and see where it’s at. It’s just a matter of where the wound is at, and obviously with one eye on the test series as well and not compromising that. If it’s game three, four, or five (that I play), I’m not sure yet.”
Meanwhile, Steve Smith appeared to pull up sore while running between wickets during the second ODI. However, he had his left thigh taped and continued batting against Sri Lanka.
Smith will be monitored over the next few days before making any calls ahead of the third ODI in Colombo on June 19.
Starc signed off by saying, “I don’t know how sore he is. After he got the strapping he played a pretty nice drive through mid-wicket, so I’m sure he’ll be fine to play the next game.”
(With Reuters Inputs)
