Starc: Quality sides try to win games…

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.
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."
Latest
-
News
Chris Silverwood backs ‘fighter’ Dan Lawrence to make step up to Test cricket
The Essex batsmen is in line for an England Test debut against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
-
News
Ravichandran Ashwin condemns alleged racial abuse of Mohammed Siraj by SCG fans
Play was halted on day four of the third Test between Australia and India while six spectators were escorted out of Sydney Cricket Ground by police.
-
News
Investigation launched after Indian players allegedly abused by crowd in Sydney
Play was held up while police and security guards escorted six people from Sydney Cricket Ground.
-
News
Jos Buttler determined to keep standards high with gloves and bat in Sri Lanka
The 30-year-old has Ben Foakes and Jonny Bairstow for competition in the England side.
-
News
England’s Dom Bess thinks pitch for Friday’s warm-up won’t be repeated in series
England finally took to the pitch in Hambantota for a low-key workout between Team Root and Team Buttler.
-
News
Proteas name Test squad for Pakistan tour
South Africa have named a 21-man touring party for the two-Test series in Pakistan.
-
News
Smith makes distinction between out of runs and out of form
Steve Smith put paid to the suggestion he was out of form with a fighting hundred against India.
-
News
England warm-up under way in Sri Lanka
The touring squad has returned a second round of clear Covid-19 tests following Moeen Ali’s positive result.
-
News
Jack Leach awaiting Covid vaccine news after ‘scary’ vulnerable classification
The England spinner takes medication for Crohn’s disease, leaving his immune system weakened.
-
News
Jonny Bairstow ready to tap into Jacques Kallis class during Sri Lanka tour
The England batsman is enthused about working with the Proteas great.