Former pacer expects Australia to risk Mitchell Starc to play the New Year's Test in Sydney as Australia look to seal the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The left-arm pacer faced a few issues in the third Test in Brisbane but featured in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, which Australia won by 184 runs to go 2-1 up in the five-match series. Starc recently underwent scans on his sore ribs, which troubled him in Melbourne as he was seen in discomfort on occassions.

Currently, with the series being on the line, McGrath noted the importance of Starc, especially with another frontline quick, Josh Hazlewood, out with injury. Notably, in case India win the Sydney Test, they will retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Meanwhile, McGrath highlighted that India have won the last two series in Australia and now, with the hosts in control of the series, the Pat Cummins-led side should do everything to get the job done.

“It depends on the Test and the state of the series (on if you would risk him). This is a massive game. Australia haven't beaten India for the last two series here in Australia, which is nearly unheard of. It is a massive Test match. Australia really want to drive this last Test home. I guess it will be up to Mitch and the powers that be,” McGrath was quoted as saying by Yahoo! News.

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“He will be doing everything possible to be out in the middle. He is such a massive part of this Australian team, and when he is on fire he is as good as anyone. Australia will want to go in with their best team. To lose Hazlewood was a big blow, and Scotty Boland came in and has been amazing. I hope Mitchell Starc is out there come day one,” he added.

After the fourth Test, the pacer himself clarified that he was fit to play the Sydney Test. However, the recent scans have raised speculations about his participation.