The fourth Test of the ongoing five-match Ashes series is underway at the Old Trafford in Manchester. The third day was dominated by England’s batting prowess. As the Test enters Day 3, England finds themselves in a strong position, leading by 67 runs with six wickets in hand.
At stumps on Day 2, England had posted an impressive total of 384/4, with young batting sensation Harry Brook and captain Ben Stokes remaining unbeaten on 14 and 24 runs, respectively.
However, the highlight of the second day was the concerning injury incident involving Australian pace bowler Mitchell Starc. During the second session of play, Starc hurt himself while diving at mid-on in an attempt to stop a drive from England batter Harry Brook. The injury seemed to affect his ability to field and throw the ball effectively.
Despite receiving treatment from the physio, Starc made an effort to return to the field and bowl in the final session. However, it was evident that he was still struggling, especially with his throwing, prompting him to go off again for further assessment and ice treatment.
In a press conference following the day’s play, Australia’s assistant coach, Daniel Vettori, confirmed that Starc is expected to return to action on Day 3 for Australia. Vettori expressed confidence in Starc’s resilience and determination, emphasizing that the left-arm pacer is eager to contribute to his team’s cause.
“He’s currently got some ice on it and we’re pretty confident it will be right tomorrow. He’s just one of those guys who doesn’t like to spend too long off the park. He just wanted to get on the field as quickly as possible to see how it was. 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,” Vettori stated during a press conference in Manchester.
Vettori also mentioned that Starc appeared confident about his bowling during the warm-up, but it was his fielding duties that posed challenges.
“I think he felt confident that he could bowl just from his warm-up balls. When he was put to the test (in the field) three balls in a row, he just didn’t quite feel right throwing it in so that led to him jumping back off. I think the leg is good, no issues there. We’re all pretty confident he can bounce back,” added the former New Zealand cricketer.
