Mitchell Starc prepared to play third Test despite current 'discomfort' in injured finger
Australian paceman Mitchell Starc has declared himself fit for the third Test against India despite still dealing with "a level of discomfort" in his injured finger.
Starc has not played since the Boxing Day Test against South Africa where he injured his left hand in a fielding mishap.
The 33-year-old had the middle finger in his left hand in a splint for six weeks following the injury and has gradually increased his bowling loads in recent weeks.
READ MORE: Controversial truth behind bitter 'grub' claim
READ MORE: Stunning Jake Paul punch that almost stole fight
READ MORE: Untouchable Aussies win T20 World Cup
AS IT HAPPENED: YouTube star's classy reaction to shattering defeat
"It's a Test match, it's good enough," Starc told reporters when asked about the condition of his finger.
Starc isn't quite at 100 per cent yet but is prepared to give it a go as Australia looks to stave off a series defeat Robert Cianflone via Getty Images
"There's going to be a level of discomfort for a little while, I don't think it is going to be 100 per cent for a little while, but the ball is coming out quite nicely and I feel like I'm pretty much at full tilt.
"It wouldn't be the first Test match I've played in some sort of discomfort. If I only played when I was at 100 per cent, I would have only played five or 10 Tests.
"I'm happy with where it's at and I've built up enough of a pain threshold to deal with that stuff over the last 10 or 12 years."
Starc is likely to be re-joined in the Australian XI by all-rounder Cameron Green, who has been recovering from his own finger injury from Boxing Day.
Mitchell Starc of Australia is seen with his middle finger taped up at the MCG. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images) Getty
With Pat Cummins not with the squad, it remains to be seen whether Australia goes with two or three spinners for the third Test.
Cummins was the only frontline seam option in Delhi as Australia opted for a three-pronged spin attack of Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann.
Kuhnemann struggled to create any great inroads in the second Test, finishing with figures of 2-72 and 0-38 in two innings, and could potentially make way for Scott Boland if Australia opts for an extra seamer.
The third Test will commence at 3pm AEDT on Wednesday afternoon at Indore's Holkar Stadium.
'The final frontier': How young gun's debut, captain's injury sparked Australia's iconic 2004 series win in India
