Latest news with #Starc
United News of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- United News of India
West Indies coach Sammy calls for DRS consistency
Barbados, June 27 (UNI) West Indies coach Daren Sammy said he's approached the match referee seeking answers after several contentious DRS calls across the first two days here. Sammy called for consistency during an expansive post-play press conference on Thursday night (Friday morning Australian time) as the first Frank Worrell Trophy Test hangs in the balance with Australia leading by 82 runs with six second-innings wickets remaining. The former Windies captain turned men's head coach believes his side have been on the "sharp end of the stick" for two separate TV umpire caught behind adjudications as well as two lbw referrals across the opening two days at Kensington Oval. There was also a third lbw referral that fell his side's way in the first over of day two when TV umpire Adrian Holdstock determined the Pat Cummins' delivery had not brushed Roston Chase's pad before hitting his inside edge, despite a small murmur appearing on Real-time Snicko (RTS) before the ball reached the bat. The West Indies captain was on one at the time and went onto score 44, eventually given out leg-before after reviewing another Cummins delivery that he was adamant he had hit before being struck on the pad. But Holdstock determined the "ball was a long way from the bat" when another slight spike appeared on RTS a frame before the ball reached the bat, upholding on-field umpire Richard Kettleborough's out decision. And in the final session, Australian No.4 Cameron Green survived an lbw referral that showed the ball very close to brushing his front pad when his bat got caught in his back pad flap as a tiny spike showed up on snicko. The ball then also appeared to impact his bat and back pad simultaneously. On this occasion the third umpire said Green hit it and the not out decision stood, with ball tracking replays on the television broadcast later showing three reds and confirming West Indies worst fears had it been adjudicated there was no bat involved. That came after Shai Hope was given out caught behind by TV umpire Holdstock when Alex Carey gloved a one-handed screamer diving to his left where the ball appeared very close to touching the ground as his body rolled over upon hitting the turf. But Holdstock ruled Carey had no case to answer, unlike when Mitchell Starc was denied the catch of Ben Duckett at Lord's in the 2023 Ashes when he grounded the ball while not in control of his body. It was a double blow for Windies wicketkeeper Hope who was denied a catch on review on day one when it was ruled there wasn't enough evidence to say Travis Head's under-edge had carried into his gloves. Starc told reporters after play on Thursday the Australians "all thought the (Head referral) was out". "There's been some interesting ones," Starc said at stumps on day two. "A couple more (DRS calls) have gone against the West Indies than us. "As players, you can only ask a question, we don't use the technology to make the decision. "It's a grey area so it comes down to the perception of the officials." Starc speculated that it appeared the RTS and vision were "out of sync to some capacity" given the slight spikes appearing on the technology were a frame or two before the ball appeared to pass the bat or pad. Sammy, who revealed he took the post-play press conference to shield his players from answering DRS questions so they could focus on the match, said West Indies captain Chase felt he had got an inside edge on the delivery that cost him his wicket. "I just had a chat with the match referee trying to find some understanding of what the process is," said Sammy, who is in his first Test match in charge after being appointed red-ball coach in April. "We only hope for consistency in the decision making. "When there's doubt in something, just be consistent across the board. "From the images that we're seeing, the decisions are not fair enough for both teams. "I've asked the match referee for a sit down. We're all humans, mistakes will be made, I just want fairness." After dropping four catches on day one, West Indies also dropped Sam Konstas twice in three balls before he had scored in the second innings, which only cost them five runs before Shamar Joseph eventually dismissed the teenage opener for the second time in match. "In spite of all the things that have gone against us, we're still in a position to win a Test match," Sammy said. "That's what we'll focus on, the things that we can control. "And yes, we're kind of shooting ourselves in the foot by dropping so many catches but look at the Test match … we against our own selves and somebody's decisions, and we're still in a position to win." UNI BM
West Australian
4 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Mitchell Johnson: Steve Smith is the obvious solution at No.3 and should be told that's where he's batting
Throughout my Test career, there were numerous times when I had to step into a different role because it was the best thing for the team. At times that would mean bowling in situations that didn't always suit me personally. But you do it for the team. Mitchell Starc and I weren't the ideal combo in the Australian Test team. We were both attacking bowlers, and we could easily go for runs because of that. When Starc was early in his career, he really thrived with the new ball and the older ball that reversed. The new ball allowed him to swing it and capitalise on those early conditions. I also wanted the new ball to grab early wickets. But I knew I was versatile enough to bowl first or second change and being a senior player, I also understood what the team needed. I didn't rely on the swinging ball like Starc did back then, so from a team perspective, I was more than happy to adapt my role. Although a swinging ball was always helpful if you could get it! Being a senior player doesn't mean that you always get what you want. And it's time Steve Smith was told he needs to bat at No.3 on his return from injury because that's what's best for the team. Marnus Labuschagne has been discarded and all-rounder Cam Green has not shown anything at first drop to indicate it will be a success. Here's a thought: instead of any more experiments, how about we place our best batsman at No.3. Smith has proven he can handle the pressure; after all, he opened for the team before dropping back to four - with both moves at his preference. Then we could bring back Nathan McSweeney at four, leave Travis Head at five, and choose between all-rounders Green and Beau Webster at six based on their current form. Let's keep the faith and support our young guns while holding our experienced players accountable. Particularly young talents such as Sam Konstas. It's baffling how quickly opinions can shift. Just a short while ago, fans and media were raving about his potential after his Boxing Day performance, dubbing him the future of Australian cricket. Now, after a tough outing against the West Indies in his first overseas Test —his third Test match, no less—he's facing an avalanche of criticism. Why the double standard? It was the same with Cooper Connolly after his Test debut in Sri Lanka. Connolly was nervous and didn't play his best cricket, but was smashed by cricket followers and the media for the way he played. Let's think about seasoned players such as Labuschagne, who hadn't been at the top of his game for the past 18 months. Why didn't he face the same scrutiny? Usman Khawaja is in a similar boat. There seems to be an imbalance in how we discuss players' performances for Australia and the new guys are always easy targets. They are fair game, yet any criticism of an established player is met with backlash. It's perplexing that we focus heavily on the failures of a few Test matches for young players while overlooking the struggles of established ones. It would be tough for McSweeney to miss out on a perfect opportunity in the West Indies to get some experience before an Ashes series but all he can do is be ready for that chance, play Sheffield Shield and score runs. The new players need time and a bit of patience from everyone. Sure, they have a job to do — to score runs — but they also deserve a little breathing space, especially if we've been lenient with the more experienced players. Let's support our emerging talents and give them the space to grow into their roles. Of course, the senior core of the Australian team find a way to get the job done most of the time and the bowlers, led by Josh Hazlewood's 13th career five-for, sliced through the Windies to finish the first Test inside three days after the Aussies conceded a first-innings lead. While Australia have gone 1-0 up, I stand by my argument for the need for a blend of youth to come through at a time like this. We know these great players will bowl their last ball in Test cricket or mark centre for the last time at some point. It's part of the game and Australia will always fight to win in all situations, that's why the blooding process is vital. Throughout Australia's cricketing history there have been drop-offs after generations of greats have retired, and it took some time to build the team back up. There will always be times of rebuilding, but what you don't want is too many players departing at the same time, leaving too much of a gap to fill. That is also on the selectors to make tough yet professional decisions.
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
We just wanted to knock Australia out of 2024 T20 World Cup: Rohit Sharma
India's T20 World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma opened up about the emotions and tactical thinking behind India's pivotal Super 8s clash against Australia during a special episode of Champions Waali Feeling Phir Se on JioHotstar. Reflecting on that memorable win, Rohit admitted that the team was well aware that a victory would eliminate Australia — and that thought alone served as extra motivation. However, he emphasised that personal revenge or historical baggage wasn't what drove him on the field. While the memories of the 2023 ODI World Cup final loss still lingered in the dressing room, once play began, Rohit said his focus was solely on executing his skills and helping the team win. 'We wanted to give them a gift' According to Rohit, the players did joke about avenging the heartbreak of 19 November 2023, when Australia denied India the ODI World Cup title in Ahmedabad. He revealed that the idea of knocking them out was indeed a popular sentiment in the dressing room. But when the match started, emotions were set aside. Rohit said he doesn't walk in with the mindset of knocking a team out; instead, he focuses on how best he can contribute. Targeting Starc: A tactical battle Talking about his aggressive approach against Australia's pace spearhead Mitchell Starc, Rohit noted that his years of experience facing Starc helped him form a clear plan. He observed that Starc was defensive during their duel, avoiding attacking lines. For Rohit, that was a sign the bowler was trying to survive rather than dismiss him. He cherished that innings — despite it not being a century — as one of his most meaningful in the context of the World Cup. Respecting the Australian legacy Rohit also praised Australia's unmatched pedigree in ICC events. He acknowledged their ability to raise their game during high-pressure knockout stages. Describing it as 'a winning DNA', Rohit said Australia's legacy stretches far beyond the past — their current players carry the same mental toughness and hunger for trophies.
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Konstas struggles, Smith's void laid bare in tight Test
Test veteran Mitch Starc has defended Australia's new-look top order, which again misfired to keep the West Indies series opener on a knife's edge in Bridgetown. Teenage opener Sam Konstas fell in single figures for the second time in a tough return Test and Cameron Green (15) continued to struggle at No.3 as Australia went to stumps on day two at 4-92. The tourists lead by 82 runs after the visiting pacemen restricted West Indies to a first-innings total of 190 in reply to 180. The ongoing 27-run partnership between a newly patient Travis Head (13 off 37 balls) and Beau Webster (19 off 24) appears critical for Australia. "Hopefully that can continue in the morning and we can push it as far as we can, some low-order runs, and go from there," said Starc. There's been plenty in the pitch for the bowlers as 24 wickets fell across the first two days of the three-match series - Australia's final tune-up before the home Ashes. Australia's new-look top four managed a combined 47 runs in the second dig as the team fight to regroup following Marnus Labuschagne's axing and Steve Smith's finger injury. "Obviously it's a different team without Steve and Marnus in it for the first time in a while, Steve I think is the only batter in that group that's played in these (Caribbean) conditions before," said Starc, Australia's best bowler with figures of 3-65. "I think he's back in the next couple of days so that will be good around the group. "It's been a challenge for these first few days and they've been working as hard as ever. It hasn't quite worked so far for a few of them but that's the beauty of Test cricket, it's a challenge." Konstas's highly anticipated comeback Test will finish with scores of three and five, but he was fortunate to score at all on day two. The talented teenager was dropped twice from the bowling of Shamar Joseph (1-15) in the space of three balls during the second over before getting off the mark. Australia's familiar tormentor Joseph finally had his man when Konstas chopped on, the ball ricocheting from the toe of his bat and onto middle stump. Green could also count himself lucky not to have gone sooner than 15 - still his highest score from four digs since being bumped up to No.3. The towering West Australian successfully overturned the umpire's lbw call on 13, and added only one run before surviving Justin Greaves' review for lbw. For the fourth time in as many Test innings since returning from a back injury, Green edged to the slips cordon after an uncomfortable stay at the crease - this time falling to Greaves. Smith's injury replacement Josh Inglis (12) went cheaply for a second time this Test, shouldering arms and allowing Jayden Seales (1-24) to nudge off-stump with a peach. Usman Khawaja's luck from the first innings also ran dry on 15, with ball-tracker inconclusive as the veteran sought to overturn the on-field call of lbw from Alzarri Joseph (1-16). Earlier, West Indies' Roston Chase (44) survived an Australian lbw appeal on one and a Konstas dropped catch on four to forge a 67-run stand with Shai Hope (48). But Chase looked hugely frustrated early in the afternoon session when he was given out lbw to Pat Cummins (2-34), convinced that he'd got an inside edge. The Ultraedge review gave no clear evidence and the disgruntled captain had to go. Hope would have been similarly disappointed to have been given out when replays cast doubt as to whether the ball had grazed the turf on its way to Alex Carey from Webster's bowling (2-20). Test veteran Mitch Starc has defended Australia's new-look top order, which again misfired to keep the West Indies series opener on a knife's edge in Bridgetown. Teenage opener Sam Konstas fell in single figures for the second time in a tough return Test and Cameron Green (15) continued to struggle at No.3 as Australia went to stumps on day two at 4-92. The tourists lead by 82 runs after the visiting pacemen restricted West Indies to a first-innings total of 190 in reply to 180. The ongoing 27-run partnership between a newly patient Travis Head (13 off 37 balls) and Beau Webster (19 off 24) appears critical for Australia. "Hopefully that can continue in the morning and we can push it as far as we can, some low-order runs, and go from there," said Starc. There's been plenty in the pitch for the bowlers as 24 wickets fell across the first two days of the three-match series - Australia's final tune-up before the home Ashes. Australia's new-look top four managed a combined 47 runs in the second dig as the team fight to regroup following Marnus Labuschagne's axing and Steve Smith's finger injury. "Obviously it's a different team without Steve and Marnus in it for the first time in a while, Steve I think is the only batter in that group that's played in these (Caribbean) conditions before," said Starc, Australia's best bowler with figures of 3-65. "I think he's back in the next couple of days so that will be good around the group. "It's been a challenge for these first few days and they've been working as hard as ever. It hasn't quite worked so far for a few of them but that's the beauty of Test cricket, it's a challenge." Konstas's highly anticipated comeback Test will finish with scores of three and five, but he was fortunate to score at all on day two. The talented teenager was dropped twice from the bowling of Shamar Joseph (1-15) in the space of three balls during the second over before getting off the mark. Australia's familiar tormentor Joseph finally had his man when Konstas chopped on, the ball ricocheting from the toe of his bat and onto middle stump. Green could also count himself lucky not to have gone sooner than 15 - still his highest score from four digs since being bumped up to No.3. The towering West Australian successfully overturned the umpire's lbw call on 13, and added only one run before surviving Justin Greaves' review for lbw. For the fourth time in as many Test innings since returning from a back injury, Green edged to the slips cordon after an uncomfortable stay at the crease - this time falling to Greaves. Smith's injury replacement Josh Inglis (12) went cheaply for a second time this Test, shouldering arms and allowing Jayden Seales (1-24) to nudge off-stump with a peach. Usman Khawaja's luck from the first innings also ran dry on 15, with ball-tracker inconclusive as the veteran sought to overturn the on-field call of lbw from Alzarri Joseph (1-16). Earlier, West Indies' Roston Chase (44) survived an Australian lbw appeal on one and a Konstas dropped catch on four to forge a 67-run stand with Shai Hope (48). But Chase looked hugely frustrated early in the afternoon session when he was given out lbw to Pat Cummins (2-34), convinced that he'd got an inside edge. The Ultraedge review gave no clear evidence and the disgruntled captain had to go. Hope would have been similarly disappointed to have been given out when replays cast doubt as to whether the ball had grazed the turf on its way to Alex Carey from Webster's bowling (2-20). Test veteran Mitch Starc has defended Australia's new-look top order, which again misfired to keep the West Indies series opener on a knife's edge in Bridgetown. Teenage opener Sam Konstas fell in single figures for the second time in a tough return Test and Cameron Green (15) continued to struggle at No.3 as Australia went to stumps on day two at 4-92. The tourists lead by 82 runs after the visiting pacemen restricted West Indies to a first-innings total of 190 in reply to 180. The ongoing 27-run partnership between a newly patient Travis Head (13 off 37 balls) and Beau Webster (19 off 24) appears critical for Australia. "Hopefully that can continue in the morning and we can push it as far as we can, some low-order runs, and go from there," said Starc. There's been plenty in the pitch for the bowlers as 24 wickets fell across the first two days of the three-match series - Australia's final tune-up before the home Ashes. Australia's new-look top four managed a combined 47 runs in the second dig as the team fight to regroup following Marnus Labuschagne's axing and Steve Smith's finger injury. "Obviously it's a different team without Steve and Marnus in it for the first time in a while, Steve I think is the only batter in that group that's played in these (Caribbean) conditions before," said Starc, Australia's best bowler with figures of 3-65. "I think he's back in the next couple of days so that will be good around the group. "It's been a challenge for these first few days and they've been working as hard as ever. It hasn't quite worked so far for a few of them but that's the beauty of Test cricket, it's a challenge." Konstas's highly anticipated comeback Test will finish with scores of three and five, but he was fortunate to score at all on day two. The talented teenager was dropped twice from the bowling of Shamar Joseph (1-15) in the space of three balls during the second over before getting off the mark. Australia's familiar tormentor Joseph finally had his man when Konstas chopped on, the ball ricocheting from the toe of his bat and onto middle stump. Green could also count himself lucky not to have gone sooner than 15 - still his highest score from four digs since being bumped up to No.3. The towering West Australian successfully overturned the umpire's lbw call on 13, and added only one run before surviving Justin Greaves' review for lbw. For the fourth time in as many Test innings since returning from a back injury, Green edged to the slips cordon after an uncomfortable stay at the crease - this time falling to Greaves. Smith's injury replacement Josh Inglis (12) went cheaply for a second time this Test, shouldering arms and allowing Jayden Seales (1-24) to nudge off-stump with a peach. Usman Khawaja's luck from the first innings also ran dry on 15, with ball-tracker inconclusive as the veteran sought to overturn the on-field call of lbw from Alzarri Joseph (1-16). Earlier, West Indies' Roston Chase (44) survived an Australian lbw appeal on one and a Konstas dropped catch on four to forge a 67-run stand with Shai Hope (48). But Chase looked hugely frustrated early in the afternoon session when he was given out lbw to Pat Cummins (2-34), convinced that he'd got an inside edge. The Ultraedge review gave no clear evidence and the disgruntled captain had to go. Hope would have been similarly disappointed to have been given out when replays cast doubt as to whether the ball had grazed the turf on its way to Alex Carey from Webster's bowling (2-20).
NDTV
23-06-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
A Milestone-Heavy, Chart-Climbing Test Series Against West Indies Awaits Australia's Iconic Bowling Quartet
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc will have two major milestones to tick off, as he will be aiming to become only the fourth Aussie to reach 400 Test wickets and become the 16th player from his team to feature in 100 Tests during the tour of West Indies from June 25 onwards. The first Test of the three-match series will be held in Barbados. It will mark the start of Australia's ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle after its loss to South Africa in the final of the 2023-25 WTC cycle. Currently, in 97 Tests, Starc has taken 387 wickets, with an average of 27.49, with the best figures of 6/48. He has taken 15 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket hauls. He is Australia's fourth-highest all-time wicket-taker in Tests. If he reaches to the 400 wicket mark, he will only be the second Aussie pacer to do so. Also, nine more wickets will help him overtake Brett Lee (718 international scalps in 322 matches) to become Australia's third-highest all-format wicket-taker of all time. Currently, Starc has 710 wickets in 289 international matches. Above him in Australia's wicket tally are late spin great Shane Warne (708 scalps in 145 Tests), Glenn McGrath (563 wickets in 124 Tests) and Nathan Lyon (553 wickets in 137 Tests). Infact, all the members of the iconic Aussie bowling quartet are nearing milestones and upward movements in charts. Lyon is just 11 wickets away from becoming Australia's second-highest in Tests. Lyon, who has 583 international wickets in 168 matches, is just eight wickets away from overtaking Mitchell Johnson (590 wickets in 256 international matches) to become the fifth-highest international wicket-taker for Australia. Also, Josh Hazlewood, currently sitting at 281 wickets in 73 Tests, needs just 19 more to become the ninth Australian to reach 300 Test wickets. 'Hoff' as he is known, is sitting at 486 international wickets in 216 matches, is just 14 scalps away from becoming the eighth player from Australia to reach 500 international wickets. Skipper Pat Cummins, currently having 301 Test wickets in 68 Tests, fresh off a six-wicket haul in the WTC final, is just 10 wickets away from overtaking Lee (310 wickets in 76 Tests) to become the seventh-highest wicket-taker for Aussies in Tests. It will be followed by matches in Grenada (July 3) and Jamaica (July 12), the latter being the West Indies' first-ever day-night Test match. Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.
