Mitchell Starc sent for scans as injury concerns continue to swirl

Australia could be forced to make a change to the team as star fast bowler Mitchell Starc races the clock ahead of the fifth Test.

Mitchell Starc is racing against the clock to prove his fitness for the fifth and final Test at the SCG on Friday.

Starc was gingerly clutching his torso and receiving treatment near the boundary rope during Australia’s Boxing Day Test victory.

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Despite pushing through the pain, serious concern remains over his status as the Aussies look to claim the Border-Gavaskar trophy for the first time since 2017.

Australian coach Andrew McDonald confirmed the extent of Starc’s injury was unknown when speaking to reporters on Monday.

“Clearly Starc is carrying something of some description. We’ll assess that,” McDonald said.

“Anytime you get through the game, it’s always a good indicator that you’re a chance for the next game.

“It didn’t stop him – clearly there was a little bit of discomfort early on in spells, but once he got warm, it seemed as though he was pretty free.”

On Wednesday the star quick bowler was sent for scans with the results said to be crucial in the decision of him playing or not, according to CODE Sports.

The Aussie quick appeared to hurt himself during the Boxing Day Test. Picture: Michael Klein

Starc was in clear discomfort. Picture: Michael Klein

If Australia elect to gamble and select a not 100 per cent Starc it could backfire spectacularly. He is renowned for struggling towards the back-end of lengthy Test campaigns, while his record at the SCG leaves a lot to be desired - 24 wickets at 44.16 in nine matches with best figures of 3-25.

Australian cricket great Glenn McGrath however believes the selectors should be throwing Starc into the mix and going all in for the final Test.

“It will be up to Mitch and the powers to be (whether he plays). He will be doing everything possible to be out in the middle,” McGrath said.

“He is such a massive part of this Australian team, and when he is on fire, he is as good as anyone going around. He’s been bowling incredibly well.

“Fingers crossed he has pulled up well and can get through this Test.

“Australia will want to go in with their best team … I hope Mitchell Starc is out there come day one.”

Starc remains under an injury cloud. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP)

Despite the serious concerns lingering overhead, teammate Alex Carey was confident Starc would be steaming in once the final Test got underway.

“He’ll be fine … he’ll push through,’’ Carey said.

“I have played with Starcy for a long time now and he is one of the toughest cricketers I have played with. So he’ll grimace. He’ll grab his rib, no doubt. But, he’ll be ready for the contest.

“He’ll be up for the contest. And I think his bowling just got better throughout the series.’’

Carey believes Starc will be right to go. Picture: Michael Klein

Carey said winning back the coveted Border-Gavaskar trophy would be “reward for 24 months of really solid cricket” for the Test side.

“We can’t look too far ahead,” Carey said.

“We know it’s a really quality outfit in India, who have shown they are well and truly capable of bouncing back with quality players, legends of Test cricket.

“So for this group, it’s head down, another opportunity to win a Test match, and if we are able to secure the trophy, it would be fantastic.”

The fifth Test between Australia and India gets underway at the SCG on Friday, with the first ball scheduled for 10.30am AEDT.