Tags: The Ashes 2023,
England vs Australia, 2nd Test at London, Jun 28-Jul 02, 2023,
Australia A,
England,
Mitchell Aaron Starc
Published on: Jun 27, 2023
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Seasoned Aussie left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc has asserted that he is ready to go if picked for the second Ashes Test against England at Lord’s, which begins on Wednesday, June 28. Starc was dropped for the first Test at Edgbaston as Scott Boland was picked over him. However, the Australian management has given a strong indication that Starc might get the nod for the Lord’s game.
Speaking ahead of the second Ashes 2023 Test, a confident Starc commented, “I’m used to it now coming to England. It’s a squad mentality, much the same as last time. I have been around long enough, been dropped enough. Probably been dropped the most in this squad so it is not something new for me. It probably won’t be the last time either.
“In terms of the team, I haven’t got any indication either way (about selection for Lord’s). Your guess is as good as mine until the selectors decide. I have different skills that fit into this bowling group so if and when I get a turn, I’ll be ready to go. If not this week, then I’ll get ready for Headingley,” the left-arm fast bowler added.
The 33-year-old further stated that he is happy with his bowling rhythm and is now looking forward to some game time. Starc said, “I probably came into that game (Edgbaston) feeling pretty good, but my rhythm wasn’t quite there. So it’s been a nice couple of weeks of work now to work back into that rhythm.
“I think we were all probably better for the run after that Test final at The Oval and I certainly feel less clunky now than I did through the game. So yeah, hopefully that results in some good stuff if and when I play. It’s all in good order. It’s just about getting some time in the middle when my chance comes,” he added.
Like all others before him, Starc too was asked England’s aggressive approach to Test cricket. He responded that they will stick to their strengths, irrespective of what the hosts try. The pacer said, “They have brought an overly aggressive head space to Test cricket. The way they are approaching it, there is going to be a reaction when you are either bowling or facing that. I think that is natural but we will stick to our guns and I am sure they will as well.
“Just because they are scoring at a higher rate or trying to score at a higher rate doesn’t mean you go to one-day cricket. There are plenty of ways to skin a cat as we saw last week in the way they approached it as opposed to the way we did.
“Hopefully, come the end of the series we are sitting back with more wins than them,” Starc concluded.
–By A Cricket Correspondent