Australia told to score 'ugly' runs after Hobart collapse, says bowler Mitchell Starc
Sunday 13 November 2016 08:59, UK
Australia paceman Mitchell Starc has revealed the team have been ordered to score "ugly" runs by their skipper against South Africa in Hobart.
The second day was washed out but the tourists remain in a strong position on 171-5 having skittled out the off-colour Australians for 85 on Saturday.
After heavy criticism over their lame efforts at the crease, Starc, who had provided some respite with three wickets in 10 balls, said captain Steve Smith's message to the batsmen was clear.
"One thing he said was you've got to be happy to score ugly runs sometimes," Starc told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
"Whether it's inside-edging a few runs to fine leg to get off strike or something like that, you've just got to find a way to score runs. You don't have to look good doing it, you've just got to get the runs on the board."
Starc admitted to conflicting instincts on whether to attack or defend during his brief knock of four runs while batting in Australia's ill-fated innings.
"That did come into it, but for me you're in between a little bit," he added. "You want to dig in for your team, but you want to play your natural game as well where you feel comfortable, and feel like you're going to spend as much time as you can out there."
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland has put the test team's struggles firmly at the door of the players, rejecting suggestions they were unprepared.
Thrashed by 177 runs in Perth in the opener and trailing by 86 in the second Test, local media has blamed a crammed schedule, with the players having had one domestic Sheffield Shield match to prepare for red-ball cricket after touring South Africa for a ODI series.
"I've heard a little bit of commentary around preparation and I think it's interesting," Sutherland told ABC radio.
"I don't think the preparation is anything that Australian cricket can complain about because South Africa have had the same schedule.
"Ideally you might have a different preparation but the fact of the matter is you can't."
