Starc returns to former IPL home

Even though Australia has pocketed two victories from the five Tests they’ve played in the city formerly known as Bangalore over the past 38 years, none of the current touring party have previously played red-ball cricket there. 

Apart from coach Darren Lehmann, who was part of the landmark 2004 series win that found its impetus from a 217-run win in the opening Test at Chinnaswamy Stadium. 

But Starc’s involvement with the local Indian Premier League franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore, that spanned 10 matches from 2014 until he ended his association with the team this month will grant them invaluable knowledge of the stadium’s idiosyncrasies. 

And the 27-year-old already holds a clear idea of what will be awaiting them when they arrive at the ground tomorrow afternoon for their first training session ahead of the second Test against India that starts here on Saturday. 

“I can’t see it being too bouncy or quick because it’s a weakness of the Indian batters,” Starc said. 

“We’ll probably see it not turning as much as this (Pune) wicket has, or breaking up as quickly. I think we’ll probably see a wicket similar to maybe the England series they had over here where it’s probably flatter and there’s some really big first-innings totals and the game happens a bit quicker towards the end,” he added.