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Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of Sydney Test

Former Australian cricketer Kerry O’Keeffe has cast doubt on Mitchell Starc’s participation in the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, suggesting that even if fit, Starc might not play in the Sydney Test due to his disappointing bowling record at the venue.

Starc appeared to have sustained a side strain during India’s first innings in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. The Australian pacer had a tough outing, finishing with figures of 0-86 from 25 overs, conceding runs at an economy rate of 3.44 and managing just two maidens.

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Mitchell Starc Won’t Play Sydney – Kerry O’Keeffe

Starc mentioned after Day 4 that he was fit to bowl 20 overs on Day 5 if required. However, Kerry O’Keeffe believes Starc won’t play in the Sydney Test, suggesting Australia may adopt a “horses for courses” approach in their selection.

“Starc, it hasn’t swung for anybody, but he has said, I am good to bowl 20 overs tomorrow. He won’t play Sydney. That’s his worst ground statistically, Mitchell Starc. He averages 44 per wicket there; 44 that’s so high,” O’Keeffe said on Fox Cricket’s Test

Starc’s record at the Sydney Cricket Ground has been unimpressive, with the 34-year-old pacer claiming just 24 wickets in nine matches at an average of 44.16. His best figures at the venue are 3-25 in an innings.

Kerry O’Keeffe suggested that Mitchell Starc should give his all to help secure an Australian victory in Melbourne before being rested for the Sydney Test.

“This is his day. He has got to fly in elastically over after over. He’s a factor,” O’Keeffe said

Starcy Said- “I’m all good. I’ll push on. It’s not something that’s bothering me. My pace is still up, I still bowled a spell after it and I’m still in the low 140s (km/h). I’m not concerned. If I need to bowl 20 tomorrow, I’ll bowl 20,” he said on ABC Radio.