Mitchell Starc's Recurring Injuries: Unsustainable Cricket Schedule and Injury Risk

Mitchell Starc, a key player for the Australian national cricket team, has been plagued by recurring injuries just before the Indian Premier League (IPL). Why is it happening, you might ask? Shall we just say that the physically-taxing Test series have caused new injuries or aggravated previous ones? Often, Australian cricket season runs from November to March, with Starc playing a lot of games. The way he bowls over 145 km/h makes his body prone to injuries. Can this be excused?

The Injuries and Australian Cricket Schedule

Starc went home from India after playing two Tests against India last year with a right heel stress fracture. This year, he once again failed to complete a four-Test series due to a stress fracture in his right foot. This is not a coincidence. The Australian summer starts in November, and they get a hectic schedule of games. During the Ashes series, he was ruled out of one of the matches in 2017–18, and during the South African tour, he was injured as well.

Risk of Injuries in Fast Bowling

Fast bowlers like Starc are inherently injury-prone, and the workload during the Australian summer only exacerbates this. Cricket Australia (CA) has had concerns about his fitness, and in the 4th test of the Ashes, they rested him as he was on the brink of collapse. This endless cycle of high-profile matches has taken a toll on his body, leading to injuries and his exclusion from the IPL.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is clear that the Australian cricket season and the intensity of the games are contributing to Starc's recurring injuries. Fast bowlers need constant monitoring of their workload to prevent such injuries. While the injuries may not serve as an excuse for missing IPL games, it highlights the need for a more sustainable cricket schedule.