Australian pacer Mitchell Starc opined on the importance of his teammate Glenn Maxwell for the team’s chances at the World Cup 2023 ahead of the final ODI of the three-match series against India in Rajkot on Wednesday, September 27. The duo, who missed the previous South African tour and the first two games of the ongoing series against India, could be back in the side for their final game as well. While Starc was ruled out of the white ball series in South Africa with groin soreness, Maxwell’s left ankle injury was troubling him as well.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the final match against India, Starc said, “He (Maxwell) is on track as well. I am not sure about his particular timeline but no doubt he will be looking to make an impact as soon as he gets his chance. He has got a wealth of experience over here through IPL, through multiple tours. He is certainly an x-factor no matter whichever team he plays for. This is his third one-day World Cup, he is an x-factor for us who can take the game on.”
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Although Mitchell Starc was the Player of the Tournament in Australia’s 2015 World Cup triumph, Glenn Maxwell had a key impact in the middle order with the bat. The veteran scored 324 runs at a sensational average of 64.80 and a strike rate of 182 as well. He has also played 12 IPL seasons, scoring more than 2,700 runs in 124 games at a strike rate of 157.62 as well.
“His ability with the ball, particularly in these conditions adds to another option in the bowling department as well. He seems in good spirits, (but) his return I am not sure what that looks like for this week but certainly on track for the World Cup,” further added Starc.
Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc brushed aside any concerns regarding the poor form of Steve Smith by pointing to his overall feats across formats for Australia as well. However, India and Australia will face off in their respective World Cup opening games at Chennai on October 8.
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“His (Smith) numbers speak for himself. He has been a high class player and has been a massive part of all formats for Australia, so no concern there. It is the adjustment factor, coming back to India after a series in South Africa, some guys are coming off a break,” concluded Mitchell Starc.
