Mitchell Starc: A Key Challenge for India in the Boxing Day Test
As the highly anticipated fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, veteran Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has pinpointed Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc as a formidable opponent. The match is set to take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, where Starc has already made a significant impact by claiming 14 wickets across the first three Tests, making him one of Australia’s leading wicket-takers alongside captain Pat Cummins.
Pujara shared his thoughts during an interview on Star Sports, commending Starc’s development as a bowler over recent years. “He has truly emerged as their standout performer in this series,” Pujara remarked. “His bowling has seen considerable enhancement over the past year and a half. In our previous encounters, we felt there were opportunities to score runs off him; however, now it feels like he’s always in contention for taking wickets.”
Starc’s Precision and Strategy
The Indian batter emphasized that one of Starc’s most notable improvements lies in his accuracy and consistency. ”He rarely bowls loose deliveries anymore,” Pujara noted. “His ability to target good lengths while maintaining swing makes him significantly more dangerous.” This evolution into a more disciplined bowler poses an increased challenge for India’s batting lineup.
Pujara also highlighted that managing Starc effectively will be crucial when facing him with a new ball. He stated, “In terms of threat level, he currently appears more menacing than both Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.” To counteract this danger, Pujara advised focusing on solid performances during the initial overs: “Starc tends to claim most of his wickets within his first five overs; thus it’s essential we handle those early spells well.”
Navigating Later Spells
Reflecting on how effective Starc can be later in innings against lower-order batsmen, Pujara pointed out that he was less threatening when bowling with an older ball against players like Bumrah and Akash Deep. “When Mitchell faced them with an old ball, he didn’t pose much risk,” he explained. This insight underscores the importance of capitalizing on early opportunities while being prepared for shifts in momentum throughout innings.
As India gears up for this critical Boxing Day Test match against Australia—a team known for its fierce competitiveness—Pujara’s observations serve as vital guidance for India’s top order batters who must rise to meet this challenge head-on.
With cricket statistics showing that bowlers often perform best under specific conditions—such as fresh pitches or new balls—the need for strategic batting becomes even clearer as teams prepare their game plans based on current form and historical performance data.
understanding Mitchell Starc’s strengths will be key if India hopes to secure victory at MCG during this pivotal moment in their series against Australia.
