The Sydney Sixers are facing uncertainty over the fitness of paceman Mitchell Starc after a heavy defeat to the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League qualifier. Starc injured his left shoulder while attempting a diving catch during the match in Perth on Tuesday night.
Starc was seen in pain and stretching his shoulder after the incident, but he managed to complete his bowling spell, finishing with figures of 2-32. However, Sixers captain Moises Henriques expressed concern that the injury could worsen after the match. “Sometimes with these types of injuries, they can get worse once you cool down,” Henriques said.
The Sixers were bowled out for 99 in 15 overs while chasing the Scorchers’ total of 9-147. The loss means they must now win a challenger final in Sydney on Friday against either the Melbourne Stars or Hobart Hurricanes to reach the grand final. If successful, they would face the Scorchers again in Perth on Sunday.
Henriques criticized his team’s aggressive batting approach, which saw early wickets fall to poor shot selection. Only Steve Smith, with 37 off 24 balls, offered resistance before being dismissed. “It’s a tough one, because some of the decisions were probably poor decisions when you’re chasing 148,” Henriques said.
Starc’s workload is also a concern, having played all five Ashes Tests and three BBL matches in five days. Henriques said the Sixers would take it “match by match” with Starc, but hoped he would be cleared to play. The Scorchers are aiming for a record sixth BBL title in Sunday’s decider.
