Mitchell Starc provides latest update on injury 

What's the story?

Australia's seasoned fast bowler, Mitchell Starc, is confident of returning to the national squad for the series against Pakistan. Having said that, the 29-year-old confirmed that he will most certainly miss out on the entire tour of India, that is to begin on 24 February.

In case you didn't know...

Starc's preparations for the paramount World Cup took a hefty blow when he damaged soft tissue in his upper body during the second Test against Sri Lanka. With a couple of five-wicket hauls in the same match, the express pacer was finally coming into his own, having disappointed in the home series against India.

But much to his anguish, Starc sustained a pectoral injury that was sure to keep him out for a couple of weeks at least.

The heart of the matter

The man himself, ruing over the fact that he will miss the quintessential cricketing action, claimed that there are no chances of him playing any part in the forthcoming series against the Men in Blue.

While speaking to Cricket Australia during the recently concluded Australian Cricket Awards, he asserted:

"Obviously the boys go to India, hopefully it's a good tour for them there. I don't think I'll be ready for any stage of that. So it's up to the rehab group and the selectors and see how the rest of this summer goes."

Confirming that he will try his level-best to don the Australian yellow against Pakistan, he added:

"The UAE is around the 15th of March so if all goes to plan I should be pretty sweet to be available for that one."

Should Starc be deemed fit for the Pakistan series, he will still get some game time under his belt as prior to the World Cup and after the completion of the series against India, the Aussies play 10 one-dayers.

What's next?

With Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc out for the India series, Australia will have their task cut out as they head into the series with a weakened bowling attack. The series against India will consist of two T20Is and five ODIs.

Meanwhile, Australia will face-off against Pakistan for a five-match ODI series, starting from the 15th of March.