Starc finally makes it to Yorkshire

By Graham Hardcastle

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc is set to begin his spell as Yorkshire's overseas player after landing in England this morning (Tuesday) with the correct paperwork. Starc, 22, is expected to debut in Sunday's Clydesdale Bank 40 match against Derbyshire at Headingley.

Starc's frequent flyer account has been given a major boost over the last fortnight after flying from the West Indies to Australia, Australia to England, England to Australia and finally Australia to England again following problems with his visa.

He was held for five hours at Heathrow by the UK Border Agency upon arrival in the UK before being deported last Tuesday. He tweeted this morning that it took him five minutes instead of five hours to pass through immigration.

"We've decided that we're not going to rush him into the squad to play Hampshire (in the County Championship at Headingley, starting tomorrow)," admitted Yorkshire's first-team coach Jason Gillespie. "I think it's just a bit too much to ask of a young lad to come in straightaway and have an impact.

"We want to give him the opportunity to get settled in, get to know his team-mates a little bit and get some really good training under his belt. Hopefully he'll be available later in the week for the one-dayer.

"We'll look to target that, but we'll have to monitor it to make sure Mitch is ready to go. If we're unsure, we will go on the side of caution. All things being equal, Mitch is just itching to play and get a Yorkshire shirt on. He's very excited and pumped."

Yorkshire were hoping to have the New South Welshman available to them for the majority of the summer, but he has since been selected in the Australia A squad for their tour of England between July 27 and August 17.

Starc should be available to Yorkshire for four Championship matches, five CB40s and the whole of the Friends Life t20 group stages before linking up with his country's second-string squad.
 

Date: 15/05/2012 11:47:34 by Graham Hardcastle
In: Yorkshire | Today |