Vaibhav Tripathi
Daniel Vettori, Australia’s assistant coach, is optimistic about Mitchell Starc’s fitness for Day 3 of the ongoing fourth Ashes 2023 Test at Old Trafford.
Starc injured his left shoulder while diving at mid-on to stop a drive from England’s Harry Brook. Although he briefly returned to the field, he faced difficulties while fielding and left again. The coaching staff is confident that Starc will recover and be ready to bowl on Day 3.
“I think the leg is good, no issues there. The shoulder, we saw what happened in the field, he’s currently got some ice on it and we’re pretty confident it will be right tomorrow [Friday]. He’s one of those guys who doesn’t like to spend too long off the park. But he got straight into a hot spot and three balls in a row came to him in the field and he didn’t quite feel comfortable throwing it. I haven’t actually spoken to him but that’s what it looked [like]. We’re all pretty confident he can bounce back tomorrow,” Vettori told reporters.
In the first innings, after Australia was bowled out for 317, Starc made an impact with the ball, dismissing Ben Duckett and Moeen Ali. The match remains closely contested, and Starc’s potential return to the bowling attack on Day 3 will be crucial for Australia’s chances in the Test match.