Australian Mitchell Starc set for Tykes debut (From York Press)

Australian Mitchell Starc set for Yorkshire debut

9:41am Wednesday 16th May 2012 in Sport

Australian Mitchell Starc is in line to make his Yorkshire debut in Sunday’s Clydesdale Bank 40 clash with Derbyshire at Headingley.

The overseas left-arm fast bowler, 22, landed in England yesterday morning after being deported last week due to visa problems.

He tweeted that it took him five minutes instead of five hours to pass through immigration, a reference to being held by the authorities for five hours when he first flew to Heathrow ten days ago.

But the White Rose hierarchy are wary of the player’s physical condition after boosting his frequent flyer account in such a short space of time, and have left him out of the squad for today’s LV= County Championship division two match against Hampshire at Headingley.

“We’ve decided that we’re not going to rush him,” confirmed 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 straight away and have an impact.

“We want to give him the opportunity to get settled in, get to know his team-mates 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. If we’re unsure, we will go on the side of caution.”

Starc is expected to remain with the Tykes at Headingley until he links up with the Australia ‘A’ squad for their English tour between July 27 and August 17.

He could play four Championship, five Clydesdale Bank 40 matches and the whole of the Friends Life t20 group stages before joining his country’s second string.

Gillespie, meanwhile, has suggested Yorkshire could still sign a second overseas player for Twenty20 as they bid to reach their first Finals Day.

“We’re looking at a few options as to whether we want to go down that path,” he said.