AUS vs IND 2024-25: Mitchell Starc skips training, Mitch Marsh’s spot in playing XI in doubt

Ahead of Australia’s fifth Test match against India at Sydney Cricket Ground, bowler Mitchell Starc did not attend the training session. In the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Board, he bowled with a back ailment; however, following the match, the star bowler declared himself fit and indicated that he would be available for the final Test match against India. That is questionable, though, particularly in light of the fact that he missed the training.

Mitchell Starc is said to have general pain, which should improve with longer periods of time.

Additionally, the 34-year-old may find that bothersome. In that scenario, Australia will be one bowler behind, much like at Gabba when Josh Hazlewood was sidelined due to a calf issue. The squad might then choose to play Sean Abbott rather than Starc in that scenario.

Starc is obviously holding something of some kind. We appear to have survived fairly undamaged other from that,” head coach Andrew McDonald stated, as cited by Indian Express.

Mitchell Marsh needs to do better, McDonald added, but he played down the fact that the team won the game in the end. The all-rounder has taken three wickets and scored just 73 runs in four games, which is noteworthy. Since his performance is concerning, the team management may decide to bench him for the Sydney Test and give Josh Inglis, who is anticipated to play in the Sri Lanka series, a chance instead.

“He’s in a terrific mental state. Do you want to see better shows? There is no question about that. He hasn’t been able to perform at the level he and us want over the course of four Test matches. However, he’s out and about. In reference to Marsh, McDonald stated, “We just won a Test match.”

Marsh may also be replaced by Beau Webster, an all-around player. He was called up to the squad following the Gabba Test, and if the team management decides to give him a break, he might end up replacing Marsh.