IND vs AUS: Starc’s restoration on monitor; Maxwell attends internet session forward of third ODI

Australia pacer Mitchell Starc, on Tuesday, hinted that the harm layover, which has stored him out of competitors because the Ashes in July, is nearing its finish.

“The recovery is on track. The priority is always the World Cup. We will see how today goes, and see how I pull up in the morning. The goal is to play tomorrow but we’re not compromising the World Cup,” mentioned Starc forward of the third One-Day International in opposition to India in Rajkot.

Starc had suffered a shoulder harm in the course of the Ashes which stored him out of Australia’s tour of South Africa. Then one other one on his groin compelled him out of the primary two ODIs in opposition to India.

Australia missed the companies of one other necessary participant, Glenn Maxwell, who injured the tendon on his ankle. The all-rounder took half within the internet session on the eve of the third ODI and appears on monitor to regain full health earlier than the quadrennial occasion begins.

“He is here for training today as well. Not sure about his exact timeline but no doubt he will be looking to make an impact. He has a wealth of experience through the Indian Premier League. He is an X-factor. It will be his third World Cup. He adds in the bowling department as well,” mentioned Starc.

In the injury-marred lead-up to the World Cup, Australia misplaced back-to-back sequence, in opposition to South Africa and India, leaving the aspect on a five-match shedding streak. But Starc feels that the learnings from the 2 excursions will add up and assist on the showpiece occasion.

“We have used a wide squad of players due to injuries and managing the workload of players. We have tried different combinations. Leading into the World Cup, it is not a position you want to be in, but there’s still plenty to look forward to in terms of what the makeup of the team will look like in the World Cup. Plus, it is another chance to get accustomed to the conditions,” mentioned Starc.

Australia’s dying bowling, particularly, has come beneath the lens. In eight ODIs in 2023, Australia’s economic system charge reads 9.48 in overs 41-50. In Indore, in the course of the second ODI, Australia allowed 104 runs within the closing 10 overs.

“Not much discussion at the moment (about death bowling). It is a pretty calm group at the moment. Our execution has been a bit off with the bat and the ball. So there are areas we can improve. Probably our PowerPlay bowling as well.”

Heading into the World Cup, Starc feels that adapting to the venues and circumstances throughout India would be the key for Australia to execute its plans and succeed.

“We have seen the wicket change in the two games depending on who batted first and second in which place. Spin was a massive factor in the second innings the other night while it played well under the lights in Mohali. The wickets are going to be different depending on which part of India we play in. There are not too many grounds we play back-to-back games in. The conditions are going to play a part, and we have to adjust better than we have in the first two games,” mentioned Starc.

Australia begins its World Cup marketing campaign on October 8 in opposition to India in Chennai.