PAK vs AUS: We Are Searching To Improve Our Record In The Subcontinent - Mitchell Starc

Australian pace bowler Mitchell Starc mentioned the cracks on the pitch of the National Stadium in Karachi helped them produce reverse-swing bowling against Pakistan. After Australian batters piled up 556 runs in the first innings riding on Usman Khawaja’s splendorous 160.

After the debacle of the Rawalpindi pitch, Australian pacers had their success in the subcontinent as Starc & co bowled out Pakistan at 148 in 53 overs.

This track is much more abrasive and the wicket footholds: Mitchell Strac on Karachi pitch

Starc, who picked 3/29 in the first innings, said that they could generate reverse swing with the help of cracks on the pitch and found it warmer than Rawalpindi’s pitch.

“This track is much more abrasive and the wicket footholds will also encourage the spinners in the next two days. I feel there are more cracks on this abrasive wicket and this has played a big part in us achieving reverse swing,” Starc said in a virtual press conference after the gameplay of Day 3. 

“Another factor is that the square and practice wickets here are also dry and basically mud and the weather is also warmer and more dry compared to Pindi so that has helped us reverse the ball both ways,” he added. 

We are searching to improve our record in the subcontinent: Mitchell Starc

Starc said the Australian bowlers had practised bowling reverse wing deliveries in Melbourne before they came to Pakistan. The lanky pacer said that they want to improve their track record in the subcontinent conditions.

“In Melbourne, before flying out here we spent one full day only on bowling reverse swing because in the Ashes series mostly we had the new and hard ball and didn’t get many opportunities for reversing the ball,” he said. 

“We are searching to improve our record in the subcontinent and in away series and we have as a group had a lot of discussion and thorough conversations in lead up to this series and even after the Pindi Test on how to do this,” he added. 

Australia set Pakistan a target of 506 after they declared at 97/2 in the early part of the fourth day of the ongoing second Test in Karachi.

Also Read: PAK vs AUS: Former Australia Skipper Mark Taylor Slams PCB Chief Ramiz Raja For Producing Low-Quality Pitches