Steven Smith confident of Mitchell Starc doing well against South Africa

Smith confident of Starc doing well against South Africa

Australia captain Steven Smith Monday backed fast bowler Mitchell Starc to recover from “gruesome” leg wound and be fit for the first Test against South Africa in early November. Starc had surgery last week that required 30 stitches after suffering deep lacerations when he collided with training equipment. Smith was in the field as the 26-year-old left-armer, who was rested from Australia’s one-day series in South Africa later this month, gashed his leg open. “It wasn’t nice at all,” Smith told reporters in Sydney. “It was actually probably one of the most gruesome things I have ever seen. “I guess for Mitch, he’s got no tendon or ligament damage so given everything goes well over the next couple of weeks we’re confident that he’ll be okay for the first Test match.”

Starc, who was Australia’s top performer with 24 wickets at 15.16 in the losing three-Test series in Sri Lanka last month, was due to leave hospital on Monday to begin his rehab.

“It wasn’t great but I’m sure in a couple of weeks’ time he’ll be okay and back into things,” said Smith. Full Cricket Scorecard: Australia vs South Africa 1st Test at Perth

Australia play South Africa in a three-Test series starting in Perth on November 3. Australia are coming from a 3-0 loss in Tests against Sri Lanka and the upcoming tour with South Africa is going to be crucial for the team. Smith was rested midway Australia’s tour for this series against South Africa and will be expected to comeback stronger. On the other hand, South Africa bowling spearhead Dale Steyn has made a brilliant comeback with his form in the previous series against New Zealand at home and is confident of his team doing well against Australia.

Mitchell Starc was Australia’s top performer with 24 wickets at 15.16 in the losing three-Test series in Sri Lanka.