Starc readies for South Africa tour
Australia's Mitchell Starc prepares for his first Test tour of South Africa in eight years, expecting unusual early-season conditions.
· 2 countries
Returning to Durban
Australia's Mitchell Starc is set to return to Durban for the first Test of his first Test tour of South Africa in eight years. Starc, who last played in Durban in 2018, is prepared for potential hostility from the local crowd.
Cricket.com.au reported that Starc expects Kingsmead, the venue for the first Test, to be more hostile than its Harare namesake, which welcomed the visiting Australians with considerable cheer in the first leg of their African trip.
Unknown Conditions
Starc, who took nine wickets in Durban's 2018 Test series opener, is aware that the early-season conditions in South Africa could differ significantly from the dry pitches typically associated with the country. According to Rediff, Australia will face an unusually timed tour with rain and humidity expected to be factors.
Starc told reporters, 'There’s an element of the unknown. It’s part of test cricket and you just adapt to what’s in front of you.' He added, 'It’s quite muggy and humid. There has been talk about the rain before we got over here.'
Praising New Talent
Starc also praised fast bowler Nathan Ellis, who impressed during Australia's one-day series in Zimbabwe. Ellis, in the absence of Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, helped lead the attack and strengthened his case for a regular place in Australia's one-day side.
Starc said, 'He is really pushing his case as a lock as a pick in the one-day team, and no doubt he’ll look to perform in these three as well.'
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