Cricket Australia has given the green light for veteran fast bowler Mitchell Starc to travel to India and link up with the IPL setup. The 36-year-old is set to join the Delhi Capitals camp and is viewed as a strong chance to be picked for the franchise’s fixture against the Rajasthan Royals on May 1, after recovering from a recent injury layoff.
Starc’s return and the IPL timeline
- Cricket Australia cleared Starc to fly to India to take part in the ongoing IPL.
- Starc is expected to become available for selection when Delhi Capitals take on the Rajasthan Royals on May 1.
- The pacer had been ruled out due to elbow and shoulder trouble picked up during the Australian summer.
- Starc had played all five Ashes Tests during Australia’s 4-1 series win and was named player of the series.
- After the Ashes, he returned straight into the Big Bash for the Sydney Sixers, before being sidelined again by injury.
Starc’s return is also part of a wider recovery picture for Australia’s pace group. Pat Cummins, another leading Australian quick, missed the opening phase of the IPL while still awaiting his first appearance of the tournament. Cummins is now expected to take the field for his first match this weekend.
With Josh Hazlewood also recently back to full fitness, Cricket Australia will be encouraged by the state of its preferred pace trio. Australia are scheduled to play 20 Tests ahead of the next ODI World Cup, making fitness management particularly important as the international calendar builds.
Delhi Capitals’ overseas pace cover and recent form
During Starc’s absence, Lungi Ngidi has been Delhi Capitals’ primary overseas fast-bowling option. In the tournament so far, he has collected 7 wickets across 6 matches, providing the team with a steady wicket-taking outlet.
Delhi’s campaign has had mixed momentum. The franchise began the IPL on a high note by winning their first two games, but since then they have lost three of their next four matches, leaving them needing results to push back up the table.
