Mitchell Starc Backs Nathan Lyon to Stay Motivated During Rehab

Nathan Lyon suffered a serious injury on the last day of the Adelaide test while fielding at the boundary. He immediately walked out of the field, as the medical panel of the team management urged him to take rest. After that, he went for scans which eventually revealed the severity of his injury. The spinner has now been ruled out of the series, as the panel has suggested him to begin rehabilitation to regain full fitness.

Speaking about the unfortunate loss of Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc said that his absence for the remainder of the series would be keenly felt. He backed Lyon to focus on his rehabilitation to make a speedy recovery.

"Really unfortunate for him. I'm sure it's a tough one to take. He contributed a lot in this Test match. So he should first and foremost enjoy the moment. He's helped us get to this victory.” said Australian pacer, Mitchell Starc.

"He's obviously had a layoff with his calf through England, so he's sort of more on board with the fast bowlers in terms of what rehab takes. I think he's still got that hunger to give more to Australia. So that's all for him to think through. Hopefully it's not a huge layoff. But, yeah, obviously disappointed for him. Hopefully he's back sooner than later." added Mitchell Starc.

The star Australian pacer then highlighted the importance of experience. He said the current players in the team have plenty of international exposure, so they understand the demands of test cricket very well.

"I think a lot was made about how old the group is and how experienced they are. Perhaps that's played into our hands. Having been through some good times and some not so good times over the course of our careers together, I think certainly in the last number of years it's been a pretty level group. Things have never gotten too high or low.” said Mitchell Starc.

He also defined the ability of the team to move on from losses. It is something that allows them to keep learning every time by understanding their mistakes in the game.

"If we haven't had a good day, it's pretty easy to move on from and learn from. Absolutely a feature of our group and to guys that have come in, less experienced or younger, the freedom to express themselves as players but also learn from that experience has been beneficial in the way we've played our cricket." said Mitchell Starc.

 

Looking Forward to Win the Ashes 5-0

Starc further revealed that the team is now looking to win the series by a 5-0 margin. It would be a great achievement if they succeed, although retaining the Ashes is already a highly satisfying accomplishment.

 "I'm not a great reflector, so hopefully I can reflect on this one a bit. With a lot being made outside the groups, whilst we don't pay too much attention to it, once things get heard and whatnot, there will be a lot of pleasure with being in the situation where we are. We want to win the next two, but to have won the Ashes is always going to be very special." said Mitchell Starc.

When asked about his plans for the next Ashes series in England, Starc said that he is not thinking too far ahead at the moment, but winning the Ashes in England remains on his radar.

"I'm not thinking two years down the track just yet. Let's just think about Melbourne and then on to Sydney. But, yeah, it'd certainly be nice to win an Ashes series in England." concluded Mitchell Starc.