Injury concerns for Australia despite series win over Proteas

Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc are both suffering finger injuries but the latter is expected to be on the sidelines for some time, making him an uncertain starter for the forthcoming Test series against India. Green, who sustained a fracture on his right index finger during the second test match against the Proteas, is set to undergo surgery after he consulted a specialist. Meanwhile, Starc may not require surgery but the damage caused to the left middle finger tendon could demand a longer time for full recovery. 

India's the next big tour and we'll see where the timeframe is with that. It's my bowling hand so I've got to be pretty careful and make sure it heals properly," Starc told cricket.com.au on Thursday (December 29) after Australia's innings victory against South Africa at the MCG. "The irony is (Green) will be back before I am. Bones are a bit quicker in the healing process, the tendon is a little bit different. I think we'll both be seeing the same specialist.

"I still think everyone's confident it will be more front-end (of the India tour that he will miss). It will obviously depend on how it heals and how quickly it can do what it needs to do," added Starc.

Despite picking up an injury early in the match while fielding, Starc bowled 18 overs in the second innings and managed to remove Sarel Erwee. While Green batted with his fractured finger and struck a well compiled fifty, he was not allowed to bowl while the medical staff was positive that Starc would be able to bowl without aggravating 

"I wasn't sure what to expect. I need the middle finger for control more than anything. I've had a lot of painkillers. I could have jabbed it but I feel like I need the feeling of the ball on my finger, otherwise I feel like I would have been spraying it everywhere," said Starc.

"I've played with a broken foot before ... It's Test match cricket. I've been on both sides of being injured and then with one man down (in the bowling department). Having Greeny with a busted finger as well probably helped that decision to try to push through. Especially with the bowling side of things, we had the whole second innings to go and it would have been tough to have just three bowlers," he said.

Skipper Pat Cummins was full of praise for Starc and Green for making valuable contributions despite their injuries while he also commended David Warner and Steve Smith for their gritty knocks in the first innings. 

Addressing the press conference, the Australian skipper said: (It's) probably a good time to mention all the incredible achievements this week. Starcy with a finger that's going to put him out for a few weeks, to have the bravery to go out and do that. Cam Green, the same, 'guts-ing' it out for us. "We saw Steve Smith and Davey (Warner) on day two in 38 degrees - gutsy, gutsy innings. It just speaks volumes for the team at the moment. Everyone would do anything for each other so we're in a really good place."