Smith backs Starc for first Test

Australia captain Steve Smith has described the fielding mishap that led Mitchell Starc to undergo surgery as “one of the most gruesome things” he’s ever seen, but has backed his spearhead to be fit for the summer's first Test. 

Starc lacerated his left shin completing a catch during a fielding session with the Australian team at Hurstville Oval last Thursday.

Quick Single: Starc hospitalised after training mishap

The left-arm quick landed awkwardly while taking the catch, with his left leg hitting a piece of fielding equipment.

Bupa Support Team staff were on the scene immediately to aid Starc before he was taken to St George Hospital where he received 30 stitches. 

Smith was in the field watching on as the unfortunate incident unfolded, but is confident his Starc will be fit for the start of the international summer which starts in Perth in 45 days.

"It wasn’t nice at all," Smith told reporters on Monday on the eve of the Australian team’s departure for the Qantas Tour of South Africa.

"It was actually probably one of the most gruesome things I have ever seen.

"I guess for Mitch (Starc), he’s got no tendon or ligament damage so given everything goes well over the next couple of weeks we’re confident that’ll he be okay for the first Test match." 

One of the world’s best fielders, particularly as a tall fast bowler, Starc remarkably held onto the catch despite the collision.

"It was just one of those things," Smith said. “You go for the ball and almost block everything out.

"As he was catching it a few of us were saying ‘don’t go for it’ but he took the catch and then what happened after that wasn’t great."

Starc, and fellow quick Josh Hazlewood, is being rested for ODI tour to South Africa, but will now spend that time in an extension brace for the next two-three weeks. 

The 26-year-old will leave hospital today and continue his rehab ahead of the first Test of the 2016-17 season against South Africa at the WACA Ground on November 3.

"He wasn’t overly impressed, but when things like that happen, particularly went he was about to have a bit of a rest and chill out those are the kind of things you don’t want happening," Smith added.

"He’s going to have some time off his feet now, he’s going to have a proper rest.

"It wasn’t great but I’m sure in a couple of weeks’ time he’ll be okay and back into things."

The 26-year-old was Australia’s standout performer on the recent tour of Sri Lanka, capturing 44 wickets in 11 matches in all formats, including 24 in the three-Test series.