New Delhi [India], December 23: Veteran Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara has lauded Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, calling him the “best bowler” for Australia in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series. The series is currently tied 1-1, with India securing a draw in the third Test in Brisbane. The Boxing Day Test will take place at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26.
Key Highlights of the Story:
- Praise for Starc’s Performance:
- Cheteshwar Pujara highlighted Mitchell Starc’s standout performance in the ongoing series, crediting him as Australia’s most effective bowler. Starc has claimed 14 wickets in the series so far, with an impressive average of 22.86.
- Starc’s Improvement Over the Years:
- Pujara noted that Starc’s bowling has improved significantly over the last 1 to 1.5 years. He compared Starc’s current form to past series (2018 and 2021) and observed that previously, Starc’s bowling did not seem threatening. However, in this series, Starc is now perceived as a wicket-taking threat, particularly with his improved line length and accuracy.
- Changes in Starc’s Bowling Technique:
- Pujara explained that the key difference in Starc’s game lies in his increased accuracy and consistency. Starc now bowls fewer loose deliveries, hitting the good length spot consistently, and making effective use of swing. This change has made him more dangerous than other Australian bowlers like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
- Starc’s Effectiveness in Early Spells:
- Pujara emphasized that Starc is most dangerous in his first 5 overs, where he has claimed the most wickets. He advised the Indian top-order batsmen to focus on playing Starc well in his early spells. He also mentioned that Starc tends to tire out in the later stages of his spell, making him less effective, especially against the lower-order batsmen.
- Changes to Australia’s Squad:
- Following the absence of Josh Hazlewood due to injury, Australia has made changes to their squad. Scott Boland is expected to replace Hazlewood in the playing XI for the fourth Test at the MCG. Beau Webster, Jhye Richardson, and Sam Konstas have also been added to the squad as replacements or backup options.
- Hazlewood’s Injury Update:
- Josh Hazlewood had been ruled out of the second Test due to a side strain but returned for the third Test. However, he sustained a calf strain during the warm-up, leading to his exclusion from the rest of the series.
- India and Australia’s Squad for the Series:
- Both teams have announced their squads for the series. The Indian squad includes players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja. On the Australian side, key players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon are part of the squad.
Conclusion:
Pujara’s comments shed light on the growing threat posed by Starc, who has become a pivotal bowler for Australia in the current series. His performance will be key to Australia’s prospects in the upcoming Tests, including the Boxing Day Test. Starc’s improved bowling has made him more dangerous, and the Indian batsmen will need to adapt to counter him effectively.