New Delhi: Australian cricket team suffered a major blow before the start of Border-Gavaskar Trophy as premier pacer Mitchell Strac will miss the first Test match due to finger injury.

The left arm quick confirmed his absence during Cricket Australia’s awards for the first Test match scheduled in Nagpur from 9 to 13 February.

On being asked about his fitness, Starc said, “I am on track… still a couple of weeks and then probably meet the guys in Delhi… after… hopefully, a first Test match win..get myself into training over there.”

India and Australia are scheduled to play Test series of total 4 matches. Nagpur will host the first match from 9 to 13 February while, second test will be played at Delhi from 17 to 21 February.

After that, both the teams will move to Dharmshala from 1 to 5 March for the third match. The fourth and final Test match will be played in Ahmedabad from 9 to 13 March.

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Suffers finger injury during Australia vs South Africa Test match

During a Test match against South Africa last month, the fast-bowler’s middle finger of left arm was injured but he continued the game and also appeared for the 2nd Test match. However, in the last Test match, he was ruled out.

There is still no confirmation that Starc will be able to return in the playing XI for the second Test. The 33-year-old player is still named in the squad, Australia is hopeful that the player returns.

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Cameron Green’s concern 

Apart from Strac, all-rounder Cameron Green also suffered injury during a match against South Africa. He is also down with finger injury. However, head coach Andrew McDonald hinted at the possibilty of Green to join the match, if needed.

The head coach said,”We value his batting first and foremost really, he’s a batter in our top six and we value that, his bowling is a bonus. A very nice bonus. We see Handscomb as an important right-hand option. We’ve got a lot of left-handers. If there were to be any late changes, or Cameron Green doesn’t make that first Test, we feel we have some good options.”

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