Talismanic Australian quick Mitchell Starc has advised the curators to set spicy tracks for the next Ashes rather than attempting to prolong games into Day 5, in order to maintain a fair duel between bat and ball.
England is known for playing an aggressive brand of cricket, and Starc believes that creating active grounds throughout the five-match series will help produce a fair duel between bat and ball.
A five-day Test match can generate more money than a shorter two- or three-day event. However, Starc believes that the desire of income should not dictate how pitches are prepared.
“I hope the groundsmen stick to their guns and prepare the wickets they want. If we’re worried about five days of revenue, then there are bigger problems at hand,” Starc was quoted as saying by India Today.
The 35-year-old, who recently bagged a four-for while playing for New South Wales on an unresponsive Sydney Cricket Ground pitch, believes tracks that assist bowlers are crucial to maintaining balance in the contest, particularly against England’s attacking ‘Bazball’ style.
“Yeah, no doubt, especially if they’re pretty docile wickets like this. We know the way they’re trying to play their cricket. We’ll worry about that next week,” Starc said.
In recent years, administrators have sought to ensure matches roll into the fifth day, a move often linked to ticket sales and broadcast commitments. However, Starc believes that this school of thought reduces the competitiveness that makes Test cricket a cherishable format for purists.
I think the break was a good thing: Mitchell Starc
Starc announced his retirement from T20I cricket in September. He said that taking a break from the shortest format was the correct decision for him. The experienced campaigner also asserted that he is happy with his preparation ahead of the gruelling summer.
“I think the break was a good thing, but I just tend to be someone who continuous bowling keeps in rhythm. I’ve just been speaking to (head coach) Ronnie (Andrew McDonald) then, I think I’ve sorted it out and now it’s just getting the engine going again,” the left-arm seamer said.
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