Australia star pacer Mitchell Starc feels that the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy against India which is set to be played in a five-match test series in three decades, has to be mentioned ‘right on par’ with the Ashes series.
The highly anticipated series between India and Australia is set to begin in November and was extended to a five-match series for the first time since the 1991-92 season.
“Being five matches now it’s probably right on par with an Ashes series,” told Starc. Australia has been in a trophy drought in the Border Gavaskar Trophy since the 2014-15 season with India winning four consecutive series.
Starc wants to reverse the last decade’s result, which would be a crucial part of the World Test Championship. “We always want to win every game at home and we know India are a very strong team,” he said.
Currently, India tops the WTC points table with Australia as the second team. “As we’re placed at the minute we’re the top two teams on the Test ladder… so a very exciting series coming up for the fans and certainly the players. Hopefully, when we’re sitting there on the 8th of January we have that trophy back on our shores.”
Starc has played 89 matches and is only 11 matches remaining to reach a milestone of 100 tests and also revealed that he has no plans on quitting red-ball cricket.
“…every time I get to wear the baggy green cap it feels very special. Hopefully, it’s five times through the summer with five wins and we can sing that song five times, then we move on from there.
“If it does come to a point where I’m lucky enough to get past that 100 number then it’s obviously going to be pretty special as well,” he said.
Starc will be traveling to England Next month for a white-ball series and will be playing in the domestic cricket for New South Wales ahead of the BGT.
“The Tests will always be taking precedence for me,” he said. “We’ve got seven Tests on the bounce with five against India and then two in Sri Lanka, so they sit top of the tree with what’s coming up.”
With Pat Cummins rested for the UK tour, Starc has the responsibility to lead the pace attack in England soil.
“Pat is resting for this UK tour… we love playing all three formats but that could look different at different times over 12 months.”
“There is certainly no end date on. That will be an ongoing one. We’ll see where bodies are and they want to keep going, but at this stage, it’s all guns blazing for five Tests against India.”
Coming to the BGT, the series is set to begin with the first test to be played between November 22 and 26 at Optus Stadium.
