Australia Face Mitchell Starc Dilemma Ahead Of Second Test Against Pakistan

Keeping in mind the challenging home series against India. Australia might rest Mitchell Starc for the crucial second Test against Pakistan.

The Australian selectors are in dilemma over managing the workload of their pace spearhead Mitchell Starc. The left-arm pacer toiled hard without much luck in the first Test at Dubai. He bowled 36.2 overs in the first innings, picking up just 1 wicket while conceding 90 runs. In the second innings, the injury-prone pacer bowled just 6 overs, conceding 18 runs and not picking up a wicket.

And with just a couple of days left before the second Test gets underway, Australia are facing a dilemma over whether they should risk playing Starc in difficult conditions in the next Test or preserve him for the upcoming home season which features a tough series against India. After the summer, Australia will have to play the ICC World Cup and the Ashes in England. With such a busy schedule ahead, the Australian team-management has found itself in a tight spot.

Australia Face Mitchell Starc Dilemma Ahead Of Second Test Against Pakistan
Mitchell Starc managed to take just one wicket in the first Pakistan-Australia Test (Credits: AP)

However,  the determination to win a Test series in Asia for the first time since 2011 could compel the selectors to pick Starc again.  It should be noted that Starc is also a part of the T20 squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan.

“It’s a good question. It’s always managing those quicks,” coach Justin Langer said. “Starcy bowled a lot of overs first innings, we certainly understand that and it’s always the million dollar question: what do we do with the fast bowlers?

“Because if we’ve got our fast bowlers, particularly in Australia or going forward to England next year … the top three is incredibly important to Australia being successful. We’ll manage it. It’s the start of the season and hopefully, we’ll manage them well throughout the summer and this tour so far,” he added.

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Australia Face Mitchell Starc Dilemma Ahead Of Second Test Against Pakistan
Mitchell Starc bowled just 6 overs in the second innings of the first Australia-Pakistan Test (Credits: AP)

Meanwhile, Australia will enter the second Test with a lot of confidence after the heroic draw in the first Test. The second Test starts on Tuesday, 16 October.

 

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