‘One of the toughest I’ve played with’: Starc backed to play in SCG Test

Mitchell Starc and Mitch Marsh are firming to play in the fifth Test against India at the SCG as Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey indicates the left-arm paceman will push through pain in a bid to help seal a series win.

Australia usually have their main training session two days out from a Test, but most players took part only in light duties at the SCG on Wednesday ahead of Friday’s start of the match that will decide the series.

Starc, Pat Cummins, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon each passed on the chance to have a bowl at the SCG nets, two days after Australia’s wrapped up a 184-run win in Melbourne to take a 2-1 series lead.

After battling rib and back soreness during the Boxing Day Test, Starc underwent precautionary scans. If Starc is cleared, it will be his 10th SCG Test.

Carey, speaking to reporters at the SCG on Wednesday, was confident Starc would be fit to play in a fifth Test in six weeks.

“He’s one of the toughest cricketers I’ve played with,” Carey said. “He’ll grimace, he’ll grab his ribs no doubt at times … but he’ll be ready for the contest.”

Carey was impressed that Starc’s bowling speed didn’t drop on the final day in Melbourne.

“I thought that first spell, without the reward, was some of the best bowling I’ve seen this series from him,” Carey said. “He’s got an opportunity now to help this team win a Test match. He’ll be up for the contest.”

Glenn McGrath, Australia’s most successful Test fast bowler, expects Starc to be desperate to play in his home Test.

“When he’s on fire, he’s as good as anyone going around,” McGrath said ahead of another pink Test at the SCG. “He’s been bowling incredibly well.

“Fingers crossed. He’s pulled up as well he can … Australia want to go in with their best team. I hope Mitchell starts out [on] day one.”

Sources close to the team, speaking on the condition of anonymity, say Marsh is likely to retain his spot at No.6 in the batting order. All-rounder Beau Webster bowled and batted in the nets on Wednesday, but Australia’s dramatic victory has certainly improved Marsh’s chances of playing despite a lean run with the bat.

The other clue was that Marsh batted in the nets with his regular partners in the top and middle order. The only member of Australia’s top six from Melbourne who didn’t feature in the nets was opener Sam Konstas, who opted for a gym session. He will bat on Thursday.

“I think whenever we’ve put someone in the spotlight, the true Aussie way is to show them how good they are. I think that’s Mitch’s time,” Carey said.

Sydney’s notoriously wet weather around the SCG Test looks much better this year, with only light rain forecast on days four and five.

“There’s always jokes about it,” said Carey of the weather. “I think this wicket sets up really well for a good Test match. It looks like there’ll be a bit in it early. There’s nice grass coverage.”

Australia need only a draw to win a Border-Gavaskar series for the first time in 10 years but say they’ll be playing positive cricket.

“We always play to win the games and then, I guess, work backwards from there,” Carey said.

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