Mitchell Starc makes himself available for Adelaide Test

Mitchell Starc, after taking a compassionate leave due to a family illness, is now ready to join the Australian squad for the pink-ball Day/Night Test against India, starting December 17 in Adelaide.

Australian team suffered as many as seven injuries even before a ball was bowled in the Test series, and losing Mitchell Starc to injury would have cost them big-time. But now they let out a sigh of relief with Starc notifying them of his return.

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According to a Cricket Australia press release, the New South Wales pacer will re-enter the hub in Adelaide and will fly from Sydney on Monday with fellow Test squad members in Australia A team.

Starc had earlier missed the T20I series after taking a compassionate leave and with no time set for his return, it was speculated that he might miss the Pink ball Test match as well. But his return has been welcomed by teammate Josh Hazlewood.

“It’s obviously great news for us to have Starcy come in tomorrow,” Hazlewood said on the sidelines of Australia’s training session on Sunday.

“He’s a huge part of our team and a huge part of our attack. Everyone knows his numbers with the pink ball are pretty special so we welcome him with open arms,” he added.

Starc possesses an enviable record with Pink ball

With 42 wickets in seven pink ball games, Mitchell Starc has been a huge asset for the Australian cricket team and he will pose a huge danger in front of the Indians. Justin Langer stated that his performance will be of great help for the Aussie side in what is going to be India’s only second Pink Ball D/N match in their history.

“If we’ve learned anything from this series it’s that nothing goes to plan. We’re always struggling with the schedules and travel and different things. I’m sure this hiccup will be no different for Starcy.

“He’s a professional and he would have been doing everything he could over the last week and obviously, once he comes into camp he’ll jump straight in and be ready to go,” Australian men’s head coach Justin Langer said in a statement.