Starc does not want rest in World Cup
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Mitchell Starc is uncertain as to whether he will be rested on Wednesday, when Australia attempt to rebuild their World Cup campaign with a match against Afghanistan in Perth.
Starc was the standout in an otherwise miserable loss to New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday, claiming six wickets as the home side almost failed to chase down 151.
After 13 days in which they played only one game, Australia are set for a relatively busy week.
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They fly from Auckland to Perth on Sunday then tackle Afghanistan on Wednesday.
The following Sunday, the tournament co-hosts face Sri Lanka in Sydney.
Captain Michael Clarke made it clear to his team how unacceptable it was to be skittled in 32.2 overs. Photo: Getty
That clash with Sri Lanka could potentially decide which side finishes third in the pool, with a quarter-final against South Africa looming for the loser.
Starc’s preference would be to power through and play every game in the tournament.
“We’ll see how everyone pulls up, we’ve got a training session or two before our next game so our focus is on Wednesday and winning that game,” Starc said.
“I’m always happy to play cricket. You never want to rest.
“It’s about making sure our recoveries as a squad (are ok). We’ve got two long flights.”
Michael Clarke made it clear to his team how unacceptable it was to be skittled in 32.2 overs amid a collapse of 8-26.
The returning captain was unwilling to contemplate the long-term ramifications of his side’s “horrendous” batting, be it a potential semi-final in Auckland or some mental baggage should there be a trans-Tasman knockout fixture.
Man of the match Trent Boult, who claimed five wickets, suggested New Zealand would take “a lot of confidence” from trumping Australia.
“When you come up against the best in the world, you quickly take a few learnings out of it,” Boult said.
“I’m sure we’ll stay pretty grounded … there is still a lot of cricket to be played.”
The fact Australia came so close to victory after posting their lowest ODI total in 17 outings at Eden Park meant it wasn’t all doom and gloom in Starc’s opinion.
“Obviously they rely heavily on Brendon (McCullum) at the top,” Starc said.
New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum plays a shot during the Pool A 2015 Cricket World Cup match against Australia at Eden Park in Auckland. Photo: Getty
“He batted really well again, but we were in with a chance all day.
“It was great to see ball dominate over bat for a change … unfortunately we couldn’t get that last one.”
It was through no fault of his own, with the left-armer twice on a hat-trick as the Blackcaps threatened to bottle it.
Clarke made a clutch call to take Starc off when the hosts’ chase was in the balance at 4-89.
Starc had bowled six overs in total, but only 2.5 overs after the dinner break.
The 25-year-old would have happily kept going.
“Hindsight is a great thing,” Starc said, when asked about Clarke’s decision to end his opening spell.
“I’m not the captain so if I get told to have a break, I’ll have a break.
“I asked to have another one but Pup’s (Michael Clarke) the captain and he’s been a great captain for a long time, so I back every decision he makes.”
-AAP