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Australian speedster Mitchell Starc rued the probabilities his workforce squandered on the second day of the Boxing Day Test but in addition praised rival skipper Ajinkya Rahane for his pressure-absorbing century.
A dogged unbeaten 104 by Rahane put India within the driver’s seat after the second day as they have been comfortably poised at 277 for 5.
The fielders spilled a number of possibilities provided by Rahane as India took a 82-run lead by the day finish.
“It (the knock by Rahane) was pretty good. He absorbed some pressure there and sort of steadied the ship for them, at (a time) when they were still behind our score,” Starc mentioned on the digital post-day press convention.
“He (Rahane) has batted really well there, he took his chances and we probably could have got him out three or four or maybe five times before he got a hundred, but he’s run his luck there and scored a good hundred. Well done to him,” added the left-arm pacer, who had figures of two/61.
Starc admitted Australia endured a tricky day.
“Pretty much that (frustrating day for the bowlers). The last ball pretty much summed up the day, so again not our best day, not our worst, we created a fair few chances and unfortunately could not hang onto to those half ones or those changes we created,” he mentioned.
“So Jinxy (Rahane) batted pretty well throughout the day, (there were a) couple of really good partnerships. I thought there was really good stuff from us as well, we couldn’t capitalise on some of the chances we created, to finish in a better position. So, just got to back up tomorrow and take five wickets as quick as we can,” added Starc, summing up the day’s play.
Starc additionally took his 250th Test wicket through the day, however mentioned his deal with the third day can be to take extra wickets.
“I don’t suppose I’ve actually been one for private milestones, we’ve bought 5 extra wickets to soak up the primary innings, so it’s good one to have there, to replicate on, however most likely as soon as I’m carried out with cricket.
“But I guess it is nice to take a few wickets and I guess to be there long enough to take 250 (wickets) is very nice. But we have got 15 wickets to take in this Test match to get ourselves in a position to win, so for me it is come-back tomorrow and try and take another five,” the 30-year-old pacer added.
According to Starc, now it was essential for his workforce to bat properly within the second innings.
“…it is important for us when we get a chance to bat again, to bat really big and (get) back us into the game again,” he signed off.
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