"Create their narrative…": Mitchell Starc breaks silence on rift in Australian dressing room

Australia National Cricket Team pacer Mitchell Starc refuted the rumors of a rift between batters and bowlers in the team after the first Test against the India National Cricket Team. He said that pundits and journalists can do whatever they want to do, but they will regroup and come harder in the next game.

Australia National Cricket Team have come under massive scanner after their defeat against the India National Cricket Team in the opening game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The Pat Cummins-led side were at the receiving end of a 295-run thrashing at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

You probably have to ask one of the batters that question - Josh Hazlewood

Not only did they face the defeat, but Australia also have come under the pump for the statement made by Josh Hazlewood. The premier pacer was asked about the team's performance, and he put all the blame on the batters, saying that questions should be asked to them. He said:

"You probably have to ask one of the batters that question... I'm probably looking mostly towards the next Test."

This made former Australia National Cricket Team keeper-batter Adam Gilchrist speculate about a possible rift between the batters and bowlers in the team. Speaking on air during day 4 of the first Test, he said: "I wonder if there's a divide in Andrew McDonald's team between the batters and bowlers."

I mean, a lot is being made that we are a bit of an ageing team, but we've all sort of grown up through the ranks together - Mitchell Starc

However, Mitchell Starc came up with a clear picture for the same. He talked about the amount of cricket they have played together, lashing out at the critics for calling them ageing players. While talking about the same, he explained:

"Yeah. We've certainly played a lot of cricket together as a group. I mean, a lot is being made that we are a bit of an ageing team, but we've all sort of grown up through the ranks together. We've shared both successes and challenges as a unit."

If journalists want to create their narrative, that's fine - Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc also lashed out at the reports of a rift between batters and bowlers, saying that it's a narrative of the players. He mentioned that they know what's at stake and they will come hard at the next game in Adelaide. He explained:

"That's Test cricket. If journalists want to create their narrative, that's fine. We'll regroup and come harder in Adelaide. We all had a big day yesterday, and we know what's at stake. We'll come together as we always have."

Mitchell Starc individually had a decent game with the bat and ball. The left-arm pacer picked two wickets in the first innings and was the top run-getter for his team with his 26-run knock off 112 balls. However, in the second innings, he managed just one wicket and scored just 12 runs with bat.

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