Ashes 2023: In the first match of the ongoing Ashes series between England and Australia, Mitchell Starc did not find a place in Australia’s playing 11. Josh Hazlewood got a chance in his place. Now Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald has revealed why Starc was left out of the playing 11 for the first Test. He has also informed that Stark will be given a chance in the remaining matches.
Talking about playing Hazlewood in place of Mitchell Starc in the first Test, the head coach said the decision was based on the dry and flat conditions at Edgbaston. He also said that Starc’s ability to swing the old ball could be valuable on a track that offered little help to the fast bowlers.
The decision was right according to the condition
Coach Andrew Macdonald said in his statement that ‘We felt from looking at the pitch that Mitch (Mitchell Starc) could have played a good role in the match, there is no doubt, but there was more line and length than left-arm swing. And we didn’t feel there would be swinging conditions (at Edgbaston). It really depends on the consciousness coming from inside at the last stage of team selection, so it can be criticized any way you want. When we went out to play, we felt like we made the best decision with all the information we had.
Stark may get a chance in the next match
Australia’s head coach has expressed hope of Starc playing in the upcoming matches. He said that ‘we have brought Stark on this tour. He understands this and also understands the fact that there are still 4 Test matches left in which he has a very important role to play. We knew the demand for fast bowlers would be high in the World Test Championship and the five-match Ashes. We found Jos Hazlewood the best for the Edgbaston Test, but who knows Mitch (Mitchell Starc) might be the best for the next match.
match status
Even in the absence of Mitchell Starc, the Australian team showed a great game and registered a resounding victory by 2 wickets on the 5th day of the match. Australia had chased a target of 281 runs.
