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Mitchell-starc-injury
Adding to the misery of the Australian team is bowler Mitchell Starc. Just like India has bowling problems, Australia is facing some of its own. The star Australian bowler has been sidelined alongside David Warner, who is suffering from a groin injury currently. Starc, who struggled to find his form in the first 2 ODIS, was absent in the 3rd ODI at Canberra.
Australian skipper Aaron Finch has revealed that Starc is struggling with a rib and back issue. He has stated that he will regain full fitness within a few days. Starc has conceded a total of 147 runs in just 18 overs against India in the ODI series. Moreover, he only managed to pick up a single wicket in 2 matches. These stats clearly reveal how dismal Starc has been with the ball in this ODI series.
Finch backs Starc to be at his best prior to recovery
Finch admits that Starc hasn’t been in his best form for quite a while. However, the Aussie skipper backs Starc to make a comeback prior to his recovery. In 2019, Mitchell Starc managed to pick 27 wickets in just 10 games. Moreover, his economy of just 5.43 is proof that Starc was one of Australia’s finest bowlers last year. However, in 2020, things haven’t gone Starc’s way. In 11 games, Starc has picked only 12 wickets. Consequently, his economy has also increased to 6.28 this year.
Finch believes that the transition from the Sheffield Shield to playing against India has not benefited the bowler. He also reckons that it has been easier for Cummins and Hazlewood to adapt to the ODI format. This is because they had been getting game time in the T20 format. This, eventually, has mentally prepared the duo to face the likes of batsmen whom they faced in IPL 2020.
David Warner will also be missed badly in the upcoming T20I series. Warner was outstanding in the first 2 ODIs against India, scoring 162 runs in 2 matches. However, with a hip abductor issue, Warner was ultimately rested for the 3rd ODI against India. His absence was clearly felt in the team as they could manage to chase 302 batting second.
With both teams struggling without some key players, it would be interesting to see who emerges on top in the upcoming T20I and Test Series. The T20I series is set to begin on Friday this week. It will be followed by the Border-Gavaskar trophy on December 17.