Boxing Day Test: Mitchell Starc sent for scans following finger injury

• Starc suffers finger injury during Australia’s second Test against South Africa.
• Starc was struck on the middle finger while fielding at long-on in Melbourne.
• He has been sent for scans and is expected to be out of action for some time.

Mitchell Starc, a left-arm fast bowler for Australia, suffered a finger injury while fielding on Day 1 of the second Test match against South Africa at the MCG on Monday. He has now been sent for scans.

While positioned at long-on and attempting to grab a catch from Nathan Lyon’s bowling as an off-spinner, Starc was struck on his middle finger. Starc was seen returning to the pitch with a strapping on his middle finger after being injured after the ball struck the tip of his finger.

“Not ideal, I don’t think. He’s popped off for a scan now. Fingers crossed we can get the best possible result with his scan. I don’t know what he’s technically done, but it doesn’t look the greatest.”

“He went out the back and tried to bowl, but I think it (felt) a bit different to be honest. Unfortunately, injuries are part of the game… all we can hope for is he gets the best possible result with the scan – he’s there as we speak,” Lyon was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au after the end of day one’s play.

In the past six months, Starc has experienced two finger injuries. The 32-year-old had previously had an unexpected injury during Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka when he cut the tip of his left index finger on a spike on his bowling shoe. He missed several white-ball games due to that strange injury before making a successful comeback for the two Test matches.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) rules prohibit bowlers from using tape to treat an injury they brought to the game. However, because Starc sustained this most recent injury during the Test, it is anticipated that he will be allowed to bowl with tape on his finger if he so chooses.

South Africa was reduced to 189 runs in their first innings thanks in part to Starc, who concluded with figures of 2/39. Australia lost Usman Khawaja early in the first day of play, but David Warner was still unbeaten on 32 in his 100th Test match, while Marnus Labuschagne was still in the game with five outs. With nine wickets in hand and a deficit of 144 runs to South Africa, the hosts are 45/1 after 12 overs.

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