PAK vs AUS: "Surprised At The Lower Pace Of Pakistan Bowlers" - Mitchell Starc

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc expressed surprise at the lower pace of Pakistan’s bowlers in the first Test of the ongoing three-match series. Mitchell Starc emphasized that pace is not the sole determining factor for success, but it undoubtedly plays a significant role.

The absence of Naseem Shah due to injury and Haris Rauf’s decision not to participate in the Test series constrained Pakistan’s options for bowlers known for their high pace. Consequently, the team introduced two young fast bowlers during the series opener in Perth.

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s pace has significantly diminished since recovering from a knee injury. During the first Test, Afridi’s average speed dropped to the low 130s kph, further diminishing to the high 120s kph in the second innings, raising concerns within the team.

The other three fast bowling options selected by the Pakistan cricket team also lacked genuine pace. Khurram Shahzad consistently bowled at medium-fast speeds. Although Aamer Jamal showed improvement as the Test match progressed, he rarely reached 140 kph.

Don’t Think That Pace Is The Be All – Mitchell Starc

Speaking to the media at the MCG two days before the start of the second Test, Mitchell Starc highlighted the contrasting expectations regarding the pace of Pakistan’s bowling attack, especially considering the historical reputation of producing express bowlers.

“I think everyone was slightly surprised at the lower pace of the Pakistan bowlers, when you’re generally used to some guys getting in the 150s [kph]. I don’t think that pace is the be all and end all but it certainly plays a part and can help,” Starc said.

Scott Boland Has Done It For A Long Time – Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc pointed out that having extra pace might not be as crucial at the MCG, using Scott Boland as an example. Starc emphasized that although Boland isn’t among the express bowlers, his ability to generate sideways movement has proven to be effective.

“Case in point, you look at Scotty Boland who can bowl good wheels, but he’s not at your top end of pace bowlers. But he generates a lot of sideways movement here in Melbourne, obviously being his home ground,” Starc further stated.

“He’s done it for a long time and we saw that obviously against England, where every ball he bowled could have been a wicket. So I don’t think that pace is the be all and end all. Certainly, for our attack we all complement each other really well by doing things very differently.”

Pakistan suffered another setback as Shahzad was ruled out of the series due to a stress fracture. While Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, and Mohammad Wasim Jnr are in reserve, none of them, except possibly Wasim Jnr, can be unequivocally categorized as express pacers.

Pakistan Squad: Shan Masood (c), Sarfaraz Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Aamir Jamal, Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmed

Also read: “KKR Running After Mitchell Starc Would’ve Cause A Little Heartburn..”- Aakash Chopra