Former Australian cricketer Kerry O'Keeffe believes Mitchell Starc's poor bowling record at the Sydney Cricket Ground will prevent him from playing in the upcoming Test match against India, even if he recovers from a suspected side strain.
Kerry O’Keeffe believes Mitchell Starc won’t play in Sydney regardless if he is fit given his horror bowling record at the Sydney Cricket Ground.Starc appeared to suffer a side strain injury during India ’s first innings of 369 in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. The Australia n left-arm spearhead, who has been in hot form this series with the ball, finished with figures of 0-86 from 25 overs in the first innings at an economy rate of 3.44, with just two maidens.
Starc was nowhere near his best, but maintained after stumps on day four, that he was fit to bowl 20 overs on day five if required as Australia and India fight for a 2-1 series lead. However, O’Keeffe believes Starc’s horror record at the SCG means Australia will adopt a horses for courses approach to selection for Sydney. “Starc, it hasn’t swung for anybody, but he has said, I am good to bowl 20 overs tomorrow,” O’Keeffe said on Fox Cricket’s Test Daily.“He won’t play Sydney. That’s his worst ground statistically Mitchell Starc. He averages 44 per wicket there. 44 that’s so high.” The 34-year-old has taken just 24 wickets at 44.16 in nine Tests at the SCG, with best figures of 3-25 in an innings and 5-142 in a match over his 93-Test career. Starc’s fellow NSW paceman Sean Abbott was called up to the squad for the Boxing Day Test and would be the logical replacement for Starc if he is injured or rested. Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the second Test in Adelaide due to a side strain and returned in Brisbane, before being ruled out for the rest of the series with a calf injury.Abbott has yet to debut for Australia in Test cricket, but has taken 29 wickets in 26 One Day Internationals and 26 wickets in 20 T20 Internationals for his country. The 32-year-old has been close to a Test debut in the past and would be a deserved selection for his first baggy green at his home ground in Sydney, after 261 first class wickets in 87 matche
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