India and Australia are leaving no stone unturned in the preparation of the opening Test of the four-match series that is scheduled to commence in Adelaide on Thursday. While India has a couple of selection headaches, hosts Australia has been struck down by injuries. However, the hosts received a massive boost a few days back, when it was announced that pace spearhead Mitchell Starc was joining the Australian team and will be expected to play the first Test.

On Tuesday, Cricket Australia tweeted a video of Starc was bowling fireballs in the training session, and on the very first ball to Marnus Labuschagne, the left-handed fast bowler sent down a fiery bouncer, which the batsman had to take evasive action against.

This time in super slow motion #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/IRj5qPB8pM

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 15, 2020

Starc looked out of sorts in the One-day International (ODI) series against India and missed the final two Twenty20 International (T20I) matches after an unspecified family illness. On Sunday, it was revealed that Starc will be joining back the team in the Australian team on Monday following his compassionate leave.

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While Starc’s comeback will boost the chances of the Australians, the hosts have some big decisions to make for the opening Test.

Australia will have to cope without star opener David Warner, who suffered an injury in his groin. His likely replacement, young Will Pucovski, was ruled out with a concussion after being struck on the helmet by a bouncer in a tour game match last week.

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Sean Abbott will also be missing the series after suffering a calf strain with Moises Henriques called in as his replacement. There is also uncertainty over the availability of young all-rounder Cameron Green, who also suffered a concussion after being hit on the head by Jasprit Bumrah’s powerful straight drive.