Mitchell Starc Urges Lively Pitches to Counter England's Bazball in Ashes

Australia's Mitchell Starc has requested that pitch curators develop vibrant wickets for the next Ashes series against England to test the aggressive style of play known as “Bazball”. The first Test of the 5-match series will begin on November 21 at the Perth Stadium.

At the Sydney Cricket Ground, Starc expressed his desire for curators to stick to their preferred pitch preparations rather than flat, five-day surfaces that only drag out matches. "I hope the groundsmen stick to their guns and prepare the wickets they want. If we’re concerned about five days of revenue, then there are bigger problems at hand," Starc said.

The left-arm pacer also spoke candidly about his struggles with rhythm, admitting he has had difficulty finding his best form. “It has been a while (since I played first-class cricket), probably too long if I had my time again,” Starc acknowledged. “But that’s fine, it was alright, working on a few things, getting that rhythm back.”

Starc explained that although he wasn't at his best during the ODIs against India, he is now on the verge of regaining full momentum. “That was probably my longest layoff injury-free for a long time. I was just trying to find that rhythm through the ODIs (against India). It just felt like something wasn’t quite clicking there, and it felt pretty close today, so I’m reasonably happy,” he said.

Reflecting on the break, Starc added, “I think the break was a good thing, but I just tend to be someone who continues bowling and keeps in rhythm. I’ve just been speaking to (head coach) Ronnie (Andrew McDonald) then, I think I’ve sorted it out and now it’s just getting the engine going again.”

Starc is also performing well in the ongoing Sheffield Shield, where he took a four-wicket haul against Victoria. Starc finished with 4/91 in 18 overs, which pointed to recovery before the Ashes.