Tips from Akram helped against India: Starc

Australia’s young left-arm quick Mitchell Starc Saturday said tips from legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram helped him to swing the ball well in the ongoing third cricket Test against India.

Starc picked up two wickets in the second innings, including the prized scalp of Sachin Tendulkar with an inswinging delivery, at the WACA Ground here.

“It was a brief chat. I had the opportunity to catch up with him in Sydney. It was about wrist position to get the ball to swing consistently. I hope to catch up with him again. He is a genius and chatting with him would not do any harm,” said Starc after the second day’s play.

Asked about the dubious decision against Tendulkar, Starc said: “With no DRS (Decision Review System) it was out, he’s not coming back.”

Starc, however, said that he would cherish the wicket of the batting maestro.

“To take every wicket is a good feeling but to get the Little Master is a great feeling. Importantly for us, they are four wickets down and we would be pushing to close it out on Sunday,” he said.

Despite having triggered India’s batting collapse in the second innings, Starc knows that he would be dropped for the fourth and the final Test in Adelaide.

“I’d be very, very surprised if they play four quicks in Adelaide, I think out of the four of us here I’d be the one to go for a spinner. I’m happy to take that if Australia get a win up as well. I’m just going to have to keep working at my game. There’s a lot to go, I’m still learning. I’m just cherishing every game I get for Australia, it’s pretty special,” he said.

Starc predicted that Australia should win the match by early Sunday.

“I am not sure if it hit the crack. Hopefully, those cracks will widen up tomorrow for us to take those last six wickets. I feel we have got enough to close out without having to bat again. The track is now a bit slow but cracks are looking to open. They definitely played a part today. There are some good spots, especially for the left-hand batsmen,” he stated.

Starc, however, said that it would be unwise to write off India.

“It’s hard to write off champions. They have done those things for long time now. They have proved they are up there with the best. It’s hard to say they are going to give up now. They would be determined to make up that deficit of runs (tomorrow). Then there is Adelaide and one-day series too. It’s hard to write them off already,” he said.

Asked what was key to success of Australian bowling, Starc said: “That’s the biggest thing so far. We have stuck to our plans. We have been pretty strict on ourselves and stuck to those things. It’s paying off. We are bowling up and giving ourselves the best chance. To be a part of this bowling group is a great feeling.”