Selectors weigh up Starc rest
CRICKET: Australia’s selectors face a dilemma for the second Test against Pakistan as they weigh up whether to rest pace spearhead Mitchell Starc.
The decision on whether to play Starc in Abu Dhabi looms as the only major selection headache for the series-decider starting tomorrow.
Australia trained yesterday with Starc and Peter Siddle set to be put through their paces along with back-up quicks Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett.
Starc struggled to make an impact on a flat deck in Dubai, grinding in hot conditions to take 1-90 in the first innings and bowling just six overs in the second for figures of 0-18.
The left-armer was unable to replicate the reverse swing generated by Pakistan paceman Mohammad Abbas who claimed seven wickets for the match.
Australia’s determination to win a Test series in Asia for the first time since 2011 is likely to swing selectors towards backing Starc.
But they will also be wary of preserving the gun quick.
“It’s a good question. It’s always managing those quicks,” coach Justin Langer said.
“Starcy bowled a lot of overs first innings, we certainly understand that and it’s always the million-dollar question: what do we do with the fast bowlers?
“Because if we’ve got our fast bowlers, particularly in Australia or going forward to England next year ... the top three is incredibly important to Australia being successful.
“We’ll manage it.
“It’s the start of the season and hopefully we’ll manage them well throughout the summer and this tour so far,” Langer added.