Table of Contents

NEW DELHI: As the buildup to the second Ashes Test gathers pace, England are once again turning their attention to Mitchell Starc, the left arm quick who tore through them in Perth. Joe Root, one of England’s most experienced batters and someone who has had his share of struggles against Starc over the years.

Root analyses Starc’s dominance in Perth

Starc’s ten wickets in the first Test exposed England’s vulnerability against left arm pace. Reflecting on how he fell in the opening innings, Root felt it was simply a ball that demanded respect.

“I think the first innings, to be honest, it was a pretty good ball. Nipped across you from straight in. I wasn’t looking to whip it through square leg or anything like that. It was just one of those things you can get on a lively wicket. In England that probably doesn’t carry, it drops short with soft hands,” Root said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

In a separate moment of reflection, Root admitted that his second innings exit came from a small but costly misjudgement.

“I just made a slight error of judgement and it costs you. You could play and miss at that, or it goes between stumps and keeper and goes for four, and you never think about it again,” he said, explaining how thin the margins can be when facing Starc at high pace.

Respect for Starc’s evolution and skill set

Root acknowledged that Starc’s influence is no accident. With his pace, angle and ability to swing the pink ball late, the Australian quick has developed into one of the most formidable bowlers in day night Tests.

“Clearly the more he’s played, the more experience he’s getting, and the more skills he’s developed. He’s a fine bowler and has been for a long time. They’ve had a couple of injuries, and he’s had to step up and he did that very well in the last game. Our challenge will be, can we counter that this week?” Root noted in another segment of the interview.

Root highlighted the importance of each batter having a clear plan, not only to survive Starc’s spells but also to keep scoring when the moments allow.

Work begins in the nets with left arm simulation

In England’s first training session at the Gabba, Root spent extended time facing a left handed thrower brought in specifically to replicate Starc’s angle.

Root said the team felt comfortable with the pink ball batch used in practice.

“It felt pretty good when facing it. I think it’s the black seam that really helps you focus on the ball. Look hard at that seam and give yourself as many cues as you can from that point of release. Of course, it’s going to have its different challenges and nuances from the red ball, but that’s all part of it,” Root said in a separate comment on pink ball conditions.

The second Ashes Test at the Gabba will be a pink ball day night contest, and that alone makes Mitchell Starc the central figure. With an unmatched record under lights and a history of troubling England’s best batters, he remains the biggest challenge for the visitors.