Injured Starc surprised on being sent out to bat on Day 3

Mitchell Starc limped his way to secure a win for Australia in the third Test

Mitchell Starc who suffered a stress fracture during the first ever Day-Night Test said that he was surprised when he was sent in to bat at No.9 in Adelaide. Starc claimed that he expected to bat lower down the order after the injury, but was thrilled to lead Australia to a win in the historic Test.

An injured Mitchell Starc said he was caught off guard when skipper Steve Smith asked him to go in and bat in final stages of Australia's thrilling third Test win over New Zealand.

Starc who batted at No.11 in the first innings after Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon who were promoted up the order, scored a quickfire 24 from just 15 balls despite struggling with his foot injury.

But in the second innings with Australia needing just two runs to win and three wickets in hand, Starc came out to bat at No.9 despite not being able to run freely.

He hit the first ball straight to the cover fielder and ran for a single, Starc was at the non-striker's end when Siddle caressed a Tim Southee delivery through point and the duo set off for the winning runs, with Starc limping and skipping his way up and down the pitch as Australia clinched the series.

When asked why he walked out to bat risking aggravating the injury, Starc laughed and said, "I'd like to ask Steve Smith the same question".

"The spinners were on, so (Smith) asked if I'd go out there and have a slog," he said.

Comfortable sitting on the couch and watching teammates bat

Starc went on to add that he expected a bowling change so that the others would be sent in but it just didn’t happen, Starc also said that he was tensed but was comfortable watching the team bat from the couch.

“I thought that might change when they took the spinner off, but it ended up that I went out there. While the Marsh’s were out there and V (Adam Voges) I was quite comfortable out on the couch in the back just watching.

"Still nervous but watching. But things happened pretty quickly and I had to get the pads on. Was an interesting little period of play but glad we got over the line. Starc picked up three crucial wickets on Friday before being forced to leave the field and did not bowl in the third Test again,” he said.

Smith said Starc didn't risk further injury by walking out to bat, Smith added that Starc was a great team player and thanked him for stepping up to the plate to finish the match.

"The damage is done," Smith said. "He's a great team man and I was thankful for him to be able to go out there and have a crack. He put his hand up, which is what he always does for the team.”

On Starc having to run three runs to give Australia the victory Smith said, "Unfortunately (he) hit one to the fielder, but he hobbled through for two off Peter Siddle's bat and it was nice to get those two runs to get us over the line."