I don't understand all the criticism, says Nathan Lyon on Mitchell Starc

The ongoing Australian summer has seen the home team struggling immensely. They lost, were rather hammered by the Indian team in the recently concluded four-match Test series by 2-1. More than anything, Mitchell Starc’s performance has come under the severe scanner. His poor show since last year extended during the India series as well and more or less, the case was the same against Sri Lanka in the first Test.

Starc has picked only 15 wickets in five Tests this season at a mediocre average of 36.46 and the former Australian cricketers are all over him. The latest to take a dig at him was the former national selector Mark Waugh who felt that the left-arm pacer needs to get his act together. To add to his agony, the youngster like Jhye Richardson has performed well on his debut.

Lyon comes out in support

Meanwhile, ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, the off-spinner Nathan Lyon has come out in Mitchell Starc’s support and reminded everyone that he is the owner of 200 Test wickets. Starc reached the milestone during the first Test against Sri Lanka but was expected to do it during India series itself only to be denied by the visitors in the last two matches of the series.

“I don’t understand all the criticism, to be honest. He has 200 Test wickets, so if anyone can get 200 Test wickets you must know what you are doing… Mitch has got all of my support and everyone’s support in that change room, so it is pretty unfair criticism in my eyes,” Lyon was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

Having said that, Starc will be under some pressure coming into the second Test match and with all due respect, he won’t get an easy opposition than Sri Lanka at home. Moreover, he also has a great record against the island nation and can aim to resurrect his career with an exceptional performance in the upcoming match.

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