Fast bowler Mitchell Starc has been named in Australia’s XI on Thursday for the fifth and ultimate Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy towards India, beginning Friday on the Sydney Cricket Ground, regardless of carrying a rib niggle. The left-arm pacer will lead the assault alongside Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon.
Starc bowled 41 overs in the fourth Test at Melbourne, which Australia gained by 184 runs, securing a 2–1 lead in the collection. However, he visibly struggled in the later phases of the match. Team administration despatched Starc for precautionary scans on Wednesday, which they described as “normal procedure.”
ALSO READ: Australia make large change in playing XI for Sydney Test towards India
Despite issues over his health, captain Pat Cummins dismissed any suggestion of Starc being rested, stating, “He was never going to miss this one.”
A win or draw in Sydney would safe Australia’s first Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory because the 2014–15 collection and ensure their place in the World Test Championship ultimate at Lord’s in June towards South Africa.
- Australia XI: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
Selectors additionally made a daring transfer by dropping allrounder Mitch Marsh, who had had a poor collection, and handing Beau Webster his debut. Marsh struggled with each bat and ball, managing simply 73 runs in 4 matches and bowling solely 16 wicketless overs since coming back from a again situation in the opening Test at Perth.
“Mitchy obviously hasn’t quite got the runs or wickets he would have liked this series and felt like it was time for a freshen up,” stated Cummins. “Beau’s been with the squad and been great. It’s a shame for Mitchy, but we feel like now is a good time for Beau to get a chance.”
