Starc satisfied with Smith’s refusal to reinsert England
Mitchell Starc revealed Australia’s bowlers had no say in the decision not to make England follow-on in Adelaide, but has high hopes that captain Steve Smith’s call will be a winning one in the end.
After bowling England out for 227 in response to the hosts’ 442-8 declared in the maiden Ashes day-night Test, the tourists’ attack finally found swinging conditions to their liking under the lights and reduced Australia to 53-4 at the close of play.
Though England ended the day buoyant, they remain 268 runs adrift of Australia, and will face a monumental batting challenge to avoid going 2-0 down in the series.
Joe Root’s decision to bowl first at the toss was highly scrutinised, but Smith’s refusal to go after an innings victory was similarly pored over, although Starc revealed the team were happy to follow their captain.
“It’s purely up to the skipper and there was no conversations with the bowlers,” Starc told English media.
Great days play here in Adelaide. Aust missed a trick by not enforcing the follow on under lights & I feel it was possibly a sports science decision not a cricket decision. Aust still ahead in the game as they lead by 265 but if England could chase 350 or less then you never know
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) December 4, 2017
“There’s pros and cons to both sides of the story: Our bowlers get a bit of a rest and can come out firing in the second innings but it’s been tough work in the end and England bowled pretty well.
“It’s up to Smithy, he’s the captain and leads that way.
“As I said, a little bit of extra rest might allow us to bowl a bit quicker and take some big wickets in the day and into the night session and put England under the pump big time.”
Starc added: “We’ve got a big lead ahead of us so, it’s not ideal to go to stumps four down, but at the same time we’re 260 ahead.
“England only faced 10 overs under lights and they’ve got two big night sessions ahead of them if they want to save this Test match, so I’d still rather be in our changing room compared to theirs.”