Talismanic Australian speedster Mitchell Starc has urged the curators to prepare spicy tracks during the upcoming Ashes rather than looking to stretch
games into Day 5, so that a fair contest between bat and ball persists.
England are known to play an ultra-aggressive brand of cricket, and Starc feels that preparing lively surfaces during the five-match series will help establish a fair contest between bat and ball.
A Test match, which lasts five days, can generate more revenue than a shorter affair lasting two or three days. However, Starc feels that the pursuit of revenue should not determine how pitches are prepared.
"I hope the groundsmen stick to their guns and prepare the wickets they want. If we're worried about five days of revenue, then there are bigger problems at hand," Starc was quoted as saying by India Today.
The 35-year-old, who recently bagged a four-for while playing for New South Wales on an unresponsive Sydney Cricket Ground pitch, believes tracks that assist bowlers are crucial to maintaining balance in the contest, particularly against England's attacking 'Bazball' style.
"Yeah, no doubt, especially if they're pretty docile wickets like this. We know the way they're trying to play their cricket. We'll worry about that next week," Starc said.
In recent years, administrators have sought to ensure matches roll into the fifth day, a move often linked to ticket sales and broadcast commitments. However, Starc believes that this school of thought reduces the competitiveness that makes Test cricket a cherishable format for purists.
I think the break was a good thing: Starc
Starc announced his retirement from T20I cricket in September. He said that taking a break from the shortest format was the correct decision for him. The experienced campaigner also asserted that he is happy with his preparation ahead of the gruelling summer.
"I think the break was a good thing, but I just tend to be someone who continuous bowling 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," the left-arm seamer said.
