Australia are backing fit-again spearhead Mitchell Starc to quickly rediscover his devastating white-ball form but fellow paceman Jhye Richardson is still racing the clock to prove he’s ready for a World Cup.
Starc was named player of the tournament after capturing 22 wickets at 10.18 during the 2015 World Cup, including the tone-setting yorker that skittled Brendon McCullum’s stumps in the MCG final.
The left-armer is widely regarded as one of the best white-ball bowlers in the world but has featured in just three of Australia’s past 21 ODIs.
Starc was forced to sit out recent one-day series against India and Pakistan because of the torn pec he suffered at the start of February during the Canberra Test.
The express paceman has been bowling in the nets in Sydney and next week will ramp up preparations when Australia host New Zealand in three warm-up games played at Allan Border Field.
“There’s really positive feedback coming through NSW, where he’s been bowling. He’s in pristine condition,” coach Justin Langer told reporters in Brisbane.
“We just have to make sure his pec is coming good.
“Like with all our bowlers, we’ll manage him through to make sure he’s absolutely ready to go for the first game against Afghanistan.”
Australia play World Cup tune-ups in Southampton on May 25 and 27 before starting their Cup defence in Bristol on June 1, leaving Starc with limited time to blow out any cobwebs.
Langer, selectors and team medicos are keen to manage Starc’s workload carefully, especially given Australia’s Ashes campaign in England will start soon after the 50-over tournament ends.
Richardson, the youngest member of the squad who like Starc and Pat Cummins was expected to take part in both the World Cup and Ashes, is yet to bowl at full pace as he continues to recover from the dislocated shoulder he suffered in March.
Selectors are free to make changes to the 15-man World Cup squad, without the need for approval from the event technical committee, until May 23.
“Probably a bit more of a cloud over him to be honest,” Langer said, when asked about Richardson’s fitness.
“We’ll just keep monitoring him.
“He’s played a lot of cricket leading up to his accident. He’s doing everything possible with his rehab. He’s a little ripper.”
dungerBob
Roar Rookie
Of the 2 injuries I reckon Richardsons is the most concerning. When a shoulder has popped once it tends to keep doing it. For his sake I hope they ease him back in slowly and sensibly. His youth is in his favour though. Young bodies heal better.
Jules
Roar Rookie
Nah, still plenty of time for Jhye (first game is still four weeks away). He's a much better option than the alternatives, especially in England. Great news that he's already bowling again, even if not at full pace yet.
Paul
Roar Guru
Less than 4 weeks before Australia plays it's first game and we're wondering whether a fast bolwer's going to be fit to play? If he can't bowl in this weeks games against NZ, selectors need to leave Richardson out of the Cup squad so he's ready for the Ashes. If he plays in the Cup and is not completely right, we might lose him for both.