The Australian fiery pacer Mitchell Starc’s performance during the Adelaide Test in which hosts faced a 31-run defeat against India, was below the expectations for the former Australian cricketer and Mark Maugh. Starc, who picked up a total of five wickets in the match failed to pick crucial scalps and was inconsistent with his line and length during the opening Test of the four-match series. After witnessing an average performance from the Aussie ace bowler, Waugh has said that Starc hasn’t hit his peak in the past 12 months and has been inconsistent with the red cherry.
Starc ended up the game with the figures of 2/63 and 3/40 in the first and second innings respectively in what was a lackluster performance by the fast bowler. However, Waugh has said he would love to witness a bit of consistency from Starc as he has a brilliant ability to bowl bad balls and come up with an unplayable delivery in the next.
During a chat on Big Spots Breakfast, Waugh said, “He hasn’t bowled at his best probably the last 12 months. He’s just been a little bit off with his consistency and line and length. But he’s that sort of bowler who’s a bit of an enigma. He bowls some bad balls and then he’ll bowl you a cracking delivery. I’d just love to see him a bit more consistent with the new ball.”
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When asked about the Perth pitch in the upcoming second Test match between India and Australia, Waugh said Perth conditions seems to be suitable for Starc as he is going to extract a lot of bounce off the pitch. Waugh further said that the selectors might think of replacing him for the third Test if his performance was below expectations in the second Test match.
The former cricketer said, “Perth’s really going to suit him. He’s going to bowl quickly there and get a lot of bounce. If he’s probably not up to scratch in Perth I think they might think about making some changes for the rest of the series.”
Team India will lock horns with Australia in the second Test match at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The match is scheduled to start from December 14.
