Top pacer Mitchell Starc’s patchy form is among the few worries for a rampaging Australia in the ongoing series against India but skipper Aaron Finch on Tuesday threw his weight behind the seasoned campaigner, saying there is no need to panic just yet.
The left-arm seamer, who has an outstanding record with the new ball in white-ball cricket, has been far from his best in the ongoing series against India. In the two ODIs, Starc has managed to claim just one wicket while giving away 147 runs in 18 overs. Australia won both the games. “He hasn’t been at his very best, and you have to understand his standards are a lot higher than what you expect from most other people because of how dominant he’s been over the last eight or nine years, especially in the white-ball formats,” Finch said at the pre-match press conference ahead of the third ODI.
“He’d love to be swinging the ball and getting it right early on, but the reality is when you’re defending big totals and playing against good players, they’re coming hard at you,” he added.
With star pacer Pat Cummins rested for the final ODI, Finch said there will be discussions on how to use Starc. “So, there’ll be conversations today about what we can do slightly different. Whether it’s a tactical thing or when we’re using him through the innings. “We’ll chat about that today. But, definitely no panic stations here from my point of view,” Finch said.
Since the World Cup last year, Starc has endured a dip in form. The Australian quick has picked just 12 wickets while bleeding runs at an economy of 6.28 in 11 matches. “From my point of view, and chatting to other guys about his technique and little things that his fellow bowlers and the fast-bowling cartel really monitor, they seemed to think that he’s going really well,” Finch said.
