Starc fires warning shot at Mulder

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The knowledge that Wiaan Mulder had been called up to the Proteas Test squad spurred Mitchell Starc on to give him a taste of Test intensity.

Australia are known for latching onto any sort of psychological edge they can get and winning there warm-up game and testing a man earning his maiden Test call up.

Starc only bowled ten balls at Mulder but gave him both barrels so to speak on a surface that was proving very tough to bat on in Benoni.

The quick was also keen to fire a few choice words down to the young allrounder who is fresh out of high school.

A buoyant Starc told reporters at Willowmore Park: “We thought we’d give him a little bit of a taste of what he might have to face if he gets a game through the series.

“I think a few of us said they might have announced their squad a day too early.

“It was nice to take the handbrake off for a few overs and show him what he might be facing if he gets a crack through the series.”

Mulder survived his scrap with Starc but was triggered by umpire Cloete when Mitchell Marsh struck him on the pad, the ball appeared to be going down leg.

Starc has yet to play a Test match in South Africa missing the last tour through injury and as such was happy to get a run out in conditions that are slightly alien to him.

He added: “I’ve had five days out of the six bowling, so it’s been good for the body, good to get a couple of wickets and I’m one of the ones who hasn’t played any red ball cricket here.

“So, it was nice to have a good three days hit out.

“Now we’re travel to Durban and get stuck in to the prep for the Test.”

The first Test between South Africa and Australia gets underway on March 1 at Kingsmead in Durban.

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