Former Test opener Simon Katich believes Shane Warne’s criticism of Mitchell Starc is fair after his performance in the first Test against India in Adelaide.
Despite taking five wickets for the match, Warne took aim at Starc’s efforts with the new ball, describing his wayward opening two-over second innings spell as “atrocious” after he was spelled by captain Tim Paine.
Katich sided with the King of Spin, saying the left-armer needs to up his game with new ball in hand on what is expected to be a seam-friendly wicket at Optus Stadium in Perth.
“I’d expect him to respond – he is a proud man and he certainly has responded in the past,” Katich told SEN Mornings.
“Warney’s right in a way – his previous 12 first-class games he has been averaging in the 60s with the ball, so there’s a little bit going on there.
“With the wides and byes that he bowled in Adelaide – and they should have been wides – that sort of stuff indicates that maybe not everything is right with his action.
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“I’m sure he’s worked hard on it in the last couple of days in between the Tests and he’ll want to get out there and fire – particularly with the new ball, because that’s where Australia needs to open India up.”
Warne believes Starc is playing for his career when the second Test against India gets underway today.
Listen to Simon Katich's chat on SEN Mornings with Kane Cornes in the player below