Starc enjoyed long break but is ready to go

Australia

Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc has enjoyed the long break the national team has had, but is excited to get back on the park in the tri-series in Zimbabwe, against the hosts and South Africa.

Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc has enjoyed the long break the national team has had, but is excited to get back on the park in the tri-series in Zimbabwe, against the hosts and South Africa.

Starc has been out of ODI action for over a year, having picked up a lower back stress fracture so common in young fast bowlers, especially in the Aussie camp. But he has enjoyed the extended off-season, a rarity for his team.

The NSW paceman told the CA website: "It's been great to be in the gym for two-and-a-bit months working on that strength and that fitness to get us ready for a lot of cricket ahead.

"It's probably been two or three seasons since I've had a proper pre-season, so to get that time in the gym, getting that strength back, getting a bit of running in the legs, and to be around the state squad as well as the Australian squad.

"It's been fantastic to do that. It's probably something we won't have the chance to do again in the next few years with the schedule we've got."

While Starc is still a youngster at 24 years of age, he has been on the scene for years, and has dealt with a number of disappointments, from injuries to being dropped, and has learned some valuable lessons.

He said: "It's about being able to bowl long days, long months, whatever it may be, but to do it for a long time and do it well.

"As a young bowler it's all about bowling. As you get older you learn more about your body, you've experienced a few injuries, experienced the rehab and what it takes to get back as some of the older guys have.

"It's about leaving no stone unturned in your preparation; your pre-season, your strength sessions, everything through the tours as well to make sure you're doing all you can to make sure your body's right for the next day or the next tour or the next match."

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