Mitchell Starc, who suffered a fracture to the middle finger tip of his bowling hand when taking a catch at long-on on Day 1’s morning session, said he hopes to fully recover in time for the four-match Test series against Team India in February 2023.
At the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia defeated South Africa by an innings and 182 runs on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test, securing a commanding 2-0 lead in the ongoing three-match Test series.
The accelerating force During the second red-ball match against the Proteas, Starc dislocated the middle finger on his left hand, although he was still observed bowling while blood was streaming from his finger.
“I wasn’t exactly sure (on his finger injury), just wanted to know if I could bowl through the pain, I’ll be out of action for a few weeks, but it was worth it. I will have to see what the issue is, what the damages are. Obviously, I want to come back as soon as possible with the India tour coming up,” told Starc during the post-match presentation as quoted by Cricbuzz.
The combined bowling effort of the Australian bowlers caused South Africa to be sent out for only 204 runs in their second innings. The hosts won the second game of the series with the help of Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Steve Smith, who each took one wicket.
Australia inching closer to World Test Championship final
Australia is getting closer to a position in the championship match of the ICC World Test Championship 2021–23 after securing a victory against South Africa. With ten victories and 132 points, the team now holds the first spot in the points standings. Their PCT is 78.57 percent.
The Australians’ next red-ball assignment will be against team India in an away series in February after the South Africa series is finished. A four-match Test series between the two teams will begin on February 9, 2023.
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