Starc: Quality sides try to win games…

Cricket365
August 24, 2013

Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc has taken a dig at England's batsmen after their snail-like batting on Friday, saying if England were as good as they keep saying they are, then they'd have tried to win.

The fifth and final Test at The Oval is headed towards a draw, with England going at two to the over in their first innings with much of the game over. Day three saw them score 215 runs, and none of the batsmen's strike rates went over 38.

Starc, speaking of England's impending number two Test ranking if the game ends in a draw, said that England also played negatively in the third Test, which was also drawn. He said he would have thought they'd try to take the series four-nil.

Starc told <i>Channel 9</i>: "It was a little surprising (given they're) 3-0 on top. They're really talking themselves up as a quality side and I think the quality sides go out there and try and win series.

"Especially (with the chance to go up) 4-0, their lack of intent was a bit disappointing. It's frustrating, especially while we're on top and making all the running in the game.

"We are the only team with any intent really, but it was the same at Old Trafford."

Starc's comments come on the back of another tense day between the players, with Michael Clarke and Kevin Pietersen's verbal sparring catching the watchers' attention.

They supposedly told each other that, 'No-one likes you!' but Starc made tongue-in-cheek suggestion as to the content of the mid-pitch discussion.

The paceman said: "I'm not too sure (what was said). I was at top of my mark. I think KP might have been asking Michael for dinner – I'm not sure."

Aside from all the sensationalism, Starc then said the players were focused on improving their cricket, and they were pleased with the way the day had gone, despite being unable to take more wickets.

Starc added: "We're not going to worry about them. We're going about our business and yesterday was a great day for the bowlers and one of our better days on tour."