Mitchell Starc Expects Intense Tri-Series ODI with India
Mitchell Starc was the chief destroyer in the opening game of the series against England on Friday, finishing with figures of 4-42 in Australia's bonus point three-wicket victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc said he expects Australia's tri-series one-dayer with India in Melbourne on Sunday to continue where the recent niggling Test series left off. (Kohli vs Smith vs Root | Full Coverage)
Starc was the chief destroyer in the opening game of the series against England on Friday, finishing with figures of 4-42 in Australia's bonus point three-wicket victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
He ripped through the tourists' top order with two wickets in the opening over of the match on his way to being named man of the match. (Indian Bowlers Have Got Unwarranted Flak: Fletcher)
The 24-year-old left-arm quick was reprimanded by the ICC during the fourth Test in Sydney for his exaggerated send-off in the face of Murali Vijay after dismissing the opener.
It was one of several flashpoints from both sides in a highly-competitive series won 2-0 by Australia, and Starc on Saturday predicted another tough battle between the number one and two ranked sides in the world one-day standings.
"It's been a pretty intense Test series," Starc told reporters. ('Dhoni Makes India Hot World Cup Prospect')
"Two great teams going hard at it and it will be much the same on Sunday.
"There will be two sets of guys doing their best to play their best and trying their hardest for their countries.
"It was a fantastic Test series to watch and to be a part of and it will be no different on Sunday."
Starc's four wickets against England took him past the 50 mark in his 29th one-day international and he is averaging an impressive 21.58 with the white ball. (India Firm Favourites to Defend World Cup: Ganguly)
He was publicly criticised by Test spin great and now television commentator Shane Warne during the India Test series and he admits he needs to transfer his one-day form to Test matches more consistently.
"I think in recent times I know my one-day and Twenty20 game and know what I need to do for the team," he said.
"I guess it comes back to that confidence thing and I showed against England why I like to be taking the new ball.
"But I want to play as often as I can for Australia and if I keep bowling fast I know I can take wickets in all forms of the game."