Starc on crutches as availability doubts grow

Sports Desk: Star paceman Mitchell Starc was on crutches on Tuesday as doubts grow over his availability for the Boxing Day Test.

The left-arm pace ace had scans to determine the extent of the heel problem that surfaced during the first innings of Australia's victory in Perth.

The crutches are believed to be a precaution to take the weight off Starc's bruised right heel. That Starc was able to complete the game has raised hopes he has avoided a more serious injury such as a fracture.

The injury is not believed to be related to the stress fracture that forced him home early from the Test tour of India and sidelined him again after the Champions Trophy.

With the Ashes won and a marquee four-Test series in South Africa on the horizon, selectors will be loathe to take any risks with Starc, who is the leading wicket-taker this campaign.

They would have little to gain and plenty to lose if Starc was to break down having been asked to do too much on what has traditionally been a batsman-friendly MCG strip, particularly in a dead rubber.

Agencies



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