Scott Boland Gives High Praise to Tough Mitch Starc Amid Injury Concerns
Australian fast bowler Scott Boland has expressed confidence in his teammate Mitchell Starc, despite the left-arm quick dealing with an injury scare during the ongoing Boxing Day Test against India. Starc, a crucial figure in Australia's bowling attack, has been struggling with a niggling injury to his ribs or back, which has raised concerns about his fitness for the final matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, Boland remains unshaken, reassuring fans that Starc's resilience will see him through.
On day three of the MCG Test, Starc showed visible discomfort as he bowled through pain, continuing to push himself for the team. Despite the niggle, he was clocking speeds over 140 kph, an impressive feat that demonstrates his toughness. Boland, who has filled in for injured Josh Hazlewood in the current series, believes Starc’s injury is minor and not something to worry about. "He's okay. I think he’s just had a bit of a niggle in his back or rib, but he came out after the (tea) break and was bowling 140 (kph), so I think he’ll be fine," said Boland, who is familiar with the physical demands of fast bowling.
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Starc's ability to play through pain is well known. Boland highlighted the left-armer’s toughness, recalling how Starc once bowled with a broken finger during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa a few years ago, a performance that defied expectations. "A couple of years ago here at the MCG, he had a broken finger and we were planning for him not to bowl at all – and then he came out and bowled 140kph swingers," Boland added. Starc’s enduring spirit has made him one of the most underrated tough players in the team, according to his fellow quick.
Although Starc has been a vital part of Australia’s bowling attack, his fitness is critical going into the final two Tests of the series. The veteran bowler has already bowled 115.2 overs through the first four Tests, so any lingering issues could pose a risk, especially with the series finale in Sydney on the horizon. If Starc is unable to play, Australia will face another challenge with Josh Hazlewood already sidelined due to a calf injury sustained earlier in the series.
Should Starc need to step down, Australia has options in reserve, including Jhye Richardson and Sean Abbott, though both are untested in the Test arena recently. Richardson, who has had some injury setbacks, including a dislocated shoulder earlier in the season, is likely the most experienced backup. Still, with only three Tests to his name, his ability to step into the high-pressure situation remains uncertain.
For now, however, the focus remains on Starc, who has been a pillar of Australia’s attack for years. With the series tied at 1-1 and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the line, Australia’s bowling depth will be tested, and the hope is that Mitchell Starc will recover swiftly and continue to be the tireless, tough competitor he has always been.
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