Australia's fast bowling spearhead Mitchell Starc is confident that the intense off-field friction that once defined contests against South Africa has largely dissolved. He believes there is no animosity left between the two teams ahead of the first Test starting at Kingsmead in early October. Starc's comments come as Australia prepares to return to the venue eight years after the volatile 2018 series.
The 2018 series was marred by altercations between players from both sides and the Sandpapergate scandal. However, Starc believes that the relationship between the two teams has improved significantly since then. He attributes this to the increasing crossover between players from both teams in global franchise leagues such as the IPL, The Hundred, and Major League Cricket.
Starc will headline the bowling attack in the first ODI to be played at Kingsmead on Thursday. He is set to lead a strong Australian team that will look to make a statement in the upcoming series. The Australian team has been preparing well for the series, having recently played in Zimbabwe. According to Starc, the team's preparation has been good, and they are looking forward to the challenge.
Starc anticipates a hostile reception from the crowd, especially from the famous 'Castle Corner'. He is aware of the reputation of the crowd and is prepared for a vocal reception. Starc has big ears, but he knows how to switch them off and focus on the game. He expects the crowd to be rowdy, especially during the Test match.
The crossover between the sides has been pronounced in recent seasons, with key players like stand-in skipper Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, and Starc frequently sharing dressing rooms with South African stars like Ryan Rickelton, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi. This has helped to build relationships between the players and has contributed to the improved atmosphere between the two teams.
Starc also noted that pitch conditions in Durban will contrast sharply with his last Test appearance at the ground. He took a match-winning 9/109 on a dry pitch offering reverse swing eight years ago. However, recent heavy rains and humid weather in KwaZulu-Natal are likely to present seam-friendly conditions instead. Starc is unsure of what to expect but is prepared to adapt to the conditions.
Starc concluded that the team will have to adapt to the conditions and focus on playing good cricket. He believes that the series will be a great challenge for the team and is looking forward to it. The Australian team will have to be at their best to beat a strong South African team, and Starc is confident that they can do it.
Key points
- Mitchell Starc believes that there is no animosity left between Australia and South Africa ahead of their upcoming Test series.
- The Australian team has been preparing well for the series, having recently played in Zimbabwe.
- Starc anticipates a hostile reception from the crowd, especially from the famous 'Castle Corner'.
