Starc confident of being fit for Pakistan Tests
Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc is confident that he will be fit for the Test series against Pakistan that takes place in the UAE in October.
The Aussies will travel to the Middle East country for a two-match series in the longest format but doubts remain about the fitness of their three pace bowlers – Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazelwood.
The left-arm paceman Starc missed the fourth Test in South Africa in March and also had to withdraw from the IPL due to a bone stress fracture on his right leg.
ALSO READ: Langer to lead T20I men’s selection
Starc told Cricket Australia’s website: “I’m definitely available for selection, as long as it all goes well over the next few weeks.
“There’s not many opportunities to play very much competitive cricket before that tour.
“I’m aiming to play some practice games for NSW when they’re up in Brisbane if that plan goes ahead. The (comeback) plan will keep changing and developing with how my progress is.
“At the moment I’d like to think I’m very much available for selection for that UAE tour.”
The 28-year-old revealed that he has been back bowling in the nets during the last few weeks and is building up his intensity.
Starc continued: “The body feels good, I’ve been bowling for three weeks. Once I’ve had a nice night’s sleep here at the SCG (The Chappell Foundation’s Sports Stars Sleepout initiative) I’m going to trek out to Blacktown and do some more bowling.
“I think the plan is to bowl off my full run at about 85 per cent intensity.”
Latest
-
England
England will not adopt negative approach after humbling in India – Zak Crawley
England will aim to get ‘Bazball’ back on track this summer against West Indies and Pakistan.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.
-
Women's Cricket
Heather Knight urges more composure from England after New Zealand collapse
The tourists needed just 29 from 29 balls with eight wickets in hand.