Yasir Shah, Mitchell Starc seek help in opposition dugouts

Not often is it seen that the players seek help from the dressing room of the opposition. Yasir Shah and Mitchell Starc are proving it to be otherwise. The ongoing battle between Australia and Pakistan is going to be a closely contested one. The way the first Test at Gabba turned out was a precursor to the things that one can expect in the long series that follows. The second Test kickstarted at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on the Boxing Day.

The stage was set for the epic clash and there were a few words exchanged. Reportedly, Pakistan’s spin wizard Yasir Shah was seen sharing a few words with former Australian spin legend Shane Warne. At the same time, the Australian pacer Mitch Starc was seen involved in discussions with former Pakistani swing bowling legend Wasim Akram.

Both Yasir Shah and Mitchell Starc obviously knew that the trade they are dealing with the masters in the opposition dugout. They did not shy away from picking their brains ahead of the big match. Yasir Shah had a word with Shane Warne ahead of the day one play. Warne later affirmed the same on Channel Nine.

He quoted, “He asked me this morning about the MCG. I had a chat to him about pace and how you should bowl here.”

He further added that Yasir has got better than what he bowled at the Brisbane match. “He’s got better (since Brisbane) and learnt some things. He’ll enjoy bowling here,” he added.

Australian pacer Mitch Starc has always drawn praise from legendary bowler Wasim Akram. “He’s my favourite bowler in world cricket right now Mitchell Starc,” Akram quoted.

Akram cited that he has worked with Starc on his bowling in Sydney and Melbourne. “I’ve worked with him before in Melbourne and in Sydney … he (is so dangerous because) bowls pace and swing. He’s got both. He has a high arm action and he uses his crease beautifully. And he’s smart,” Akram conceded.