Mitch Starc’s tenacity is commendable. Despite suffering defeat in four consecutive Test series against India, the Australian players remain undeterred. With a five-match Test series scheduled between India and Australia at the end of this year, Starc has boldly stated his expectations, asserting that he aims for his team to deny India any victories during this series. This statement signifies Starc’s ambition for a clean sweep, even though Australia has struggled against India in recent encounters, having lost series in 2018 and 2020 on their home turf.
Starc Compares the Upcoming Series to the Ashes
Mitch Starc has drawn a parallel between the India-Australia Test series and the prestigious Ashes series. He proclaimed that this series holds significant importance, similar to the Ashes in terms of competitive spirit and stakes. The upcoming series, set to commence in November, marks a historic moment as it will feature five Test matches for the first time since 1991-92. Speaking to Wide World of Sports, Starc emphasized, “This time it will be a five-match series, making it as crucial as the Ashes.” He expressed his intention to secure victories in every match on home ground while acknowledging the formidable nature of the Indian team.
This Series is Crucial for the World Test Championship
The India-Australia series is of paramount importance for the World Test Championship rankings. Currently, India stands at the top of the points table, with Australia closely trailing in second place. Given the stakes, both teams are expected to compete fiercely, as the outcome of the series will directly impact their rankings. Starc optimistically stated his hopes of lifting the Test series trophy on January 8. The left-arm fast bowler is just 11 matches away from reaching a milestone of 100 Test matches, showing no intention of retiring from this format anytime soon.
Starc’s Preparation for Upcoming Matches
As preparations ramp up for this high-stakes series, Starc is set to travel to England for an ODI and T20 series next month. Following that, he will participate in domestic cricket with New South Wales to gear up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australian captain Pat Cummins will also be engaging in domestic cricket for a similar reason, although he is currently on a break from the game.
Current Test Rankings
| Rank | Team | Points | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | ??? | ??? |
| 2 | Australia | ??? | ??? |
Conclusion
The upcoming Test series between India and Australia promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams showcasing their strengths and strategies. As the rivalry intensifies, fans and cricket enthusiasts around the world will closely follow the action, eager to witness whether Starc and his team can reclaim their dominance or if India will continue its reign over Australian shores. Regardless of the outcome, this series is set to be significant in the context of international cricket.
