Mitchell Starc's injury has triggered concerns for the Australian cricket team during the tense days of the Boxing Day Test against India. With only two matches left to play, the pace spearhead's back issue emphasizes the pressure on the squad as they aim to secure victory in the Border-Gavaskar series. After struggling with discomfort, Starc managed to perform at high speeds, yet the question remains whether he can endure the strain of continued play.
On December 28, 2024, during day three of the Test match at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Starc was spotted clutching his back. Despite this visible pain, his teammate Scott Boland assured fans it was merely a minor problem. “He’s okay. He just had a bit of a niggle somewhere in his back or rib, I don’t know, somewhere back there, but he came out after the break and was bowling 140km/h, so I think he’s going to be fine,” Boland remarked, highlighting Starc's ability to push through injury.
Starc has had his fair share of struggles with fitness, having bowled 25 overs during the innings against India and giving away 86 runs without taking any wickets. He exhibited notable resilience, especially since he had also bowled 24 overs during the previous match against Brisbane. Boland emphasized Starc's toughness, stating, “He’s someone who can still bowl at the same pace even when he is really sore.” This highlights the fast bowler's dedication to his craft.
India's impressive rearguard performance, particularly the strong eighth-wicket partnership between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar, has also posed challenges for Australia. Reddy earned his maiden Test century, scoring 105 not out, and together with Sundar's 50, they put on 127 runs for the eighth wicket, just two runs shy of Indian record against Australia. Such partnerships grant Indian ace Jasprit Bumrah the much-needed recovery time, allowing him to rest his body for the final innings.
“When Australia got 474, I thought, ‘Hang on. Bumrah can’t be bowling 20 to 30 overs like this,’” said veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle, reflecting on India's precarious position before their batters seized control of the match scenario. Bhogle alerts attention to the ticking clock as play progressed—despite Australia holding the upper hand, India’s ability to showcase resilience serves as both a pleasant surprise and added challenge for Starc's team.
Starc's injury raises questions about the risk of long-term damage. It was noted he would get only two days of rest before the fifth and final Test commences at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on January 3, 2025. This timeline adds pressure not only on Starc as he tries to recover but also on the entire Australian bowling lineup with fellow pacer Josh Hazlewood already out due to injury.
The absence of Hazlewood has put added stress on both Starc and captain Pat Cummins to lead the Australian bowling assault. Cummins and Scott Boland, who has delivered commendable performances, joined Starc on the field, leaving onlookers to wonder just how much longer Starc can keep bowling through pain. Their ability to outlast the persistent Indian batsmen will be instrumental not just for the match at hand but for the overall series outcome.
Starc, standing on the edge of this cricketer's dilemma, made it clear after day three, “All good. My pace didn't drop so I'm all good.” This bold assertion, though comforting to fans, hides the physical strain he endures during one of cricket's most challenging events—grueling test matches, particularly against formidable opponents like India.
Compounding the situation for Australia, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has been ruled out of the series due to a calf strain. He was the only keeper available aside from Alex Carey, which leaves Australia short on the goalkeeping front as they head toward the concluding match of the series. It remains uncertain whether they’ll bring in Beau Webster or Nathan McSweeney as replacements, but the decision is imperative as the team confronts mounting injury issues.
Starc's back injury not only raises concern for this match but also serves as foreshadowing for what lies ahead for the Australian team. It’s clear they are on the brink of either triumphing based on the mental fortitude displayed by their players or succumbing to the mounting physical strains brought on by injuries. Without key players, Australia must play not just for the immediate outcome but for the series' integrity as well.
With two matches remaining, the stakes are high for all involved. Mitchell Starc's resilience will be tested as Australia aims to push back against the Indian side, which has proven its capability to fight back. The coming days will not only determine the outcome of the Boxing Day Test but may also impact the direction of the Border-Gavaskar series as both teams muster their strengths and strategies amid challenges.