3 days ago
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Fast-bowler Mitchell Starc has taken aim at Cricket Australia for their decision to schedule the first Ashes Test at Perth Stadium, rather than The Gabba in Brisbane.
The left-arm paceman, 35, famously took a wicket with the first ball of the most recent Ashes series in Australia after bowling former England opener Rory Burns around his legs.
It set the tone for the series, with the Aussies eventually claiming a 4-0 victory and retaining the Urn.
Starc made the surprising admission just moments after the Perth Stadium pitch curator warned against expecting another spicy opening day surface, like the wicket that decimated both Australia and India last year.
'(Cricket Australia) don't listen to players, we would have liked to start in Brisbane,' he bluntly said.
The agreement to launch the next three Test summers in Perth has angered players - and it's not hard to see why.
Australia veteran Mitchell Starc (pictured) has been critical of the decision to play the first Test of the summer at a venue other than The Gabba
Australia's victory in the 2021 Gabba Test in Brisbane gave them a 1-0 series lead, and helped them retain the Ashes
Mitchell Starc (pictured celebrating with Aussie teammates) took a wicket with the first ball of the 2021 series
England has had an awful time of it at The Gabba, with the side not claiming victory at the ground since 1986.
Very few memories of the precinct will be positive, with the last three Ashes Tests played in Brisbane being won by Australia in dominant fashion.
Visiting bowler Gus Atkinson believes the decision to play the first Test in Perth only benefits the tourists.
'History would say it's probably a good thing we're (England) not starting at the Gabba,' he said.
Last year's Perth pitch was a ridiculously lively wicket that produced 17 wickets on day one alone, and many have been suggesting a similar surface will be produced this time around.
But stadium curator Isaac McDonald has revealed his preparation of the pitch began a day earlier to ensure the track won't be as fiery.
McDonald says he's aiming to have the grass in between eight and 10mm in length.
The first Test begins on Friday afternoon.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain (pictured next to ex-Australia captain Steve Waugh) knows the difficulties of winning at The Gabba all too well, after infamously deciding to bowl first in the 2002 Ashes Test, only to finish the day with Australia on 2-364
England fast bowler Gus Atkinson (pictured) has never played a Test match in Australia - but knows how difficult playing in Brisbane is
Australia will be hoping they can flip the script on last year's showing in Perth, where they were beaten heavily by India.
England has never played at the Perth precinct, so Friday's first Test will be new territory for all of their stars.
Ben Stokes and Joe Root have never won a Test match in Australia.
Both 34, they may see the upcoming series as their last chance to win the Ashes urn away from home.
It comes as Australia has confirmed their XI, with debuts for veteran quick Brendan Doggett and batsman Jake Weatherald.
Beau Webster is the unlucky omission, with Cameron Green the all-rounder to bat at six.
