‘Ye bhi lag raha hai jayega WC se bahar’ – Fans react as Pat Cummins confirms Mitchell Starc’s unavailability in 1st ODI vs India

Australia are set to begin their three-match ODI series against India in India on 22 September. The first game is scheduled to take place in Mohali, Punjab. So, ahead of that clash, the Aussie skipper had a press conference with media reporters and confirmed that their ace pacer, Mitchell Starc is not available for the first game.

He also claimed that Glenn Maxwell would miss the game. However, Cummins is now fully fit and available for all three matches after recovering from the fractured wrist while Steve Smith is all fit to go. Smith was nursing a tendon injury to his left wrist. Hearing such an update, fans shared their views on social media. 

Mitchell Starc missed the recent South Africa series also

Australia recently played a five-match ODI series in South Africa. After winning the first two matches, the Proteas made a comeback and won the series 3-2. All these players were unavailable due to injuries. Starc was reportedly suffering groin soreness since he returned from the UK after the WTC 2023 final and Ashes series. Maxwell visited South Africa but before the T20I series, he injured his ankle and returned home immediately. So, it’s a huge setback for the Aussies that both Maxwell and Starc will not play the first game. 

Speaking of the series, it is going to be a great platform for both teams to get prepared for the upcoming ODI World Cup, which is set to begin on 5 October 2023 in India. The Men in Blue won the recently concluded Asia Cup and they will like to continue the momentum going forward. However, star and core World Cup-bound players have been given a rest in the first two games but they will be available for the third game on 27 September. Earlier this year, the Aussies played a three-match ODI series in India and defeated the Men in Blue 2-1. Mitchell Starc was the highest wicket-taker in that series with eight wickets in three games, at an average of 21.12. 

Here is how fans have reacted:     

https://twitter.com/Oay_Afaq/status/1704774619029262713