"He'll grimace and grab his rib without a doubt" - Aussie teammate provides key fitness update on Mitchell Starc ahead of BGT 2024-25 5th Test

Australia wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey has thrown his weight behind Mitchell Starc to feature in the fifth and final Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test against India in Sydney, beginning on Friday, January 3. The South Australian labeled the left-arm speedster "one of the toughest cricketers" he has played with and trusts him to push through the pain.

The 34-year-old was grimacing with back and side pain on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test against India in Melbourne and did so again on the final one. He managed only one wicket in the match but is expected to retain his spot for the last BGT Test. However, Starc will be reassessed for the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka later this month.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Carey said (as quoted by nine.com.au):

"He'll be fine. He will push through. I've played with Starcy for a long time now and he is one of the toughest cricketers that I've played with. He'll grimace and grab his rib without a doubt at times but he'll be ready for the contest."

The veteran southpaw doesn't have an impressive record at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). In nine Tests, Starc has claimed only 24 wickets at 44.17 apiece. He claimed three scalps the last time Australia played a Test at the SCG.

"They are champions" - Alex Carey on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of 5th BGT Test

Alex Carey. (Image Credits: Getty)

When asked whether Australia have the mental edge over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, given their poor form, Carey said the hosts' mindset is still to be on their toes, knowing how dangerous the pair is. The 33-year-old said (as quoted by Perth Now):

"I don't think I can put it that way. You could also make that argument for a Steve Smith or a Marnus (Labuschagne) against Bumrah early. Champions of the game find ways to come out and perform, and they are champions. We have to be on our toes to not let them back into the series."

Australia cannot afford a loss in the final Test in Sydney as they are in sight to win their first Test series against India in a decade.