Worry mounts for Australia as Mitchell Starc suffers injury scare ahead of England tie at T20 World Cup

Australia might have bagged two crucial points with a convincing win over Oman in their T20 World Cup opener, but their fans and dressing room had a bigissue to solve - Mitchell Starc’s injury scare. Starc walked away in discomfort in the second innings, casting doubts over his participation in the game against England on Saturday (June 8) in Barbados. Captain Mitchell Marsh provided an update later.

Speaking to the media after Australia’s 39-run win against Oman, Marsh said Starc suffered cramps while bowling and walked away straightaway to avoid getting aggravated. Marsh added that when Starc says he must leave the game midway, he will, saying he knows his body and what’s at stake in this year’s 20-team tournament.

The veteran seamer was on song against Oman, picking two wickets for 20 runs in three overs.

"Took his time and showed his experience. Starcy was just a cramp, so didn't want to take a chance. When Starcy says I am okay to go off you let him go off," Marsh said of Starc after the game.

Stoinis expects better pitches

Following the drama surrounding slow and non-supportive pitches on offer during this T20 WC in the Americas, the Player of the Match against Oman, Marcus Stoinis, said he expects the pitches to behave better as the tournament progresses.

Considering how the batters made batting look utterly easy with unbelievable stroke play during the recently-concluded IPL 2024, where the teams made 200-plus totals for fun, Stoinis said this showpiece event will be a different ball game, with old-school T20 cricket likely on display.

"Yeah, it is a bit difficult; the ball in the second inning, it is a bit sticky. And the spinners also gripping the ball sometimes, the ball is getting low," Stoinis said. "And when I played Maxwell, one or two balls maybe the wicket holds the ball, and it spins. So, it is still a bit difficult, but compared to the previous match, it's better.

"Today it's a better wicket. I hope the more matches we play in this wicket; the more wickets will go better," he continued.

Crediting this year's IPL stint for his flourishing outing against Oman on Thursday, Stoinis said regardless of anything, a player comes out as a better cricketer after an IPL season.

"I think I've been going to the IPL for ten years now, so it always feels at the end of IPL when you finish IPL, you're a better player, so regardless of the 100 or not, I think it's a nice way to lead into a World Cup," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)