Disappointed that Perth wicket was rated "average" by ICC: Starc

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc expressed his disappointment at ICC rating the Optus Stadium pitch was as "average" after Australia beat India in the second Test by 146 runs.

A few batsmen were hit in Perth, particularly during the second innings, and Starc said that it was just good aggressive Test cricket and such ratings make it the batters' game completely.

"Just as a cricketing fan, it was a bit disappointing to see Perth pitch being rated average. I thought it was a fantastic battle between bat and ball, which is what you want in Test cricket," Starc said ahead of the Boxing Day Test.

"For example, playing in MCG last year was pretty docile and the pitch didn't do anything. You want a contest between bat and ball so that's going to keep Test cricket alive and get people into the game like in Perth. It was a fantastic battle there and I thought it was a great pitch," Starc said on Sunday.

Starc agreed that cracks opened up on the last two days but flat tracks which increasingly made cricket a batsmen's game would then be devoid of any contest.

"Cracks did play a part but that's what happens when a wicket is wearing on days four and five. Cricket is turning out to be a batters' game if you keep making flat wickets always. You want exciting contest between bat and ball.

"When the ball is flying around and batsmen have to play, that's the game. Marcus Harris batted on after being hit and batsmen from both sides got hit on shoulders but carried on. It's good aggressive cricket and it brings people to the game," he added.

Earlier during the Adelaide Test, Starc was criticized for lazy body language, but he hit back at critics with 10 wickets in the series so far, successfully spearheading Australia's pace attack.

"I did swing the ball in Perth but also in Adelaide. That's something I have been working on with our bowling coach David Saker and it is going well. I hope to find some swing in Melbourne as well.

"Hopefully we have more grass on this pitch unlike last year. I am told it is supposed to be like the Sheffield Shield game here, so it should be a good one if so and unlike last year," he said.

The pacer said that the Australian attack is making a concentrated effort to get early wickets and the Indian openers being in poor form has certainly helped them.

He hoped to continue with similar tactics in the third Test as well, irrespective of who opens for India.

"That's our plan we want to take early wickets and get stuck in that middle order with the new ball. That's still our plan going forward. We will see if they make any changes to the top order. We will still have the same plan try to put them under as much pressure as we can and bowl at that middle order as early as we can."
"Virat batted really well I thought. Like all really good batsmen he has certain strengths and if you bowl in those areas, he will simply put you away probably nine out of ten times. For us, its just about starting really well and not letting him get off to a flyer. We want to bowl with consistency and bowl plenty of good balls."