Pakistan vs Australia 2018: Mitchell Starc Surprised Over Sarfraz Ahmed's Recent Comments

Australia speedster Mitchell Starc has given his opinion on Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed, who made the recent comments that the Men in Green are preparing for a verbal barrage of words from the Aussie spearhead during the upcoming Test series between the two nations slated to be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The name of Starc was taken by Sarfraz when he was speaking with Cricket Australia (CA) website. He revealed his expectations from the two-Test series in UAE which is slated to begin in Dubai from 7^th October.

“If you play against Australia you have to play a good series. Lots of sledging as well. (Mitchell) Starc might do something like that, so I think this will be a good series. I don’t like sledging though,” cricket.com.au quoted Sarfraz.

Starc played just a solitary Test in Abu Dhabi four years ago when Australia was beaten 0-2 by Pakistan in the Test series last time around.

Starc took 14 wickets in the three-match home Test series in 2016-17 which included the scalp of Sarfraz twice. He spoke with cricket.com.au before leaving for Dubai on Wednesday night as Australia hope to register their maiden Test series victory since 2011.

The left-arm speedster stated that he was surprised by the comments made by Sarfaraz.

Mitchell Starc surprised with the comments made by Sarfaraz Ahmed

“I did read that actually – raised an eyebrow to it. I don’t think I’ve ever said anything to him on a cricket field. Bowled him once or twice, but haven’t said anything to him,” Starc asserted.

 

“It’s going to be a good series. I’m sure there’s going to be a bit of feeling in it – there’s obviously great competition between both sides. It was a quality series last time they were out here, and we haven’t been to the UAE for a few years,” Sarfraz added.

 

“I don’t think I’ll be one to say too much out there – it’s going to be quite warm and quite flat, so hopefully I’ll let the ball do the talking,” Starc maintained.

Mitchell Starc might well be the only member from Australia’s Ashes-winning squad to be involved in the series. His fellow fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have failed to recover from their injuries in time to take part in the series.  On the other side, Sarfraz Ahmed has a lot to prove as a leader for Pakistan.

However, they are expected to be fit for India’s tour of Australia later in the year.