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My mood affected Starc at SCG: Paine

3 minute read

Tim Paine says he should have been a better captain and kept Mitchell Starc more relaxed at the SCG, where the left-armer recorded match figures of 1-127.

TIM PAINE.
TIM PAINE. Picture: Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images

Tim Paine has blamed himself for Mitchell Starc's drop in pace and effectiveness at the SCG.

Starc recorded match figures of 1-127 during the third Test, struggling to create chances apart from the edge that Paine put down late on day five.

Australia have named an unchanged attack for the series decider against India that begins in Brisbane on Friday.

Paine argued his own tetchiness and underwhelming leadership affected Starc in Sydney, expressing confidence the left-armer would be back to his best at the Gabba.

"My role is to keep him nice and calm, keep him really clear on what I and we expect of him," Paine said.

"When you give him really simple, clear instructions and keep him on an even keel - he normally bowls the house down.

"My mood around day five, potentially he was one I affected and (that) was the reason why he wasn't at his best.

"It's about me getting back to basics. Keeping him nice and relaxed, clear on what we want him to do - and when we do that he more often than not delivers."

Starc claimed eight wickets in the opening half of the four-Test series but failed to conjure a single wicket in the fourth innings at the SCG.

"We know how good he is. We know on his day he can rip a Test match apart," Paine said.

"But that's not going to happen for him every day."

Paine apologised earlier this week for losing his cool at the SCG, where India batted for 131 overs in the final innings of the Test to salvage a draw.

Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood haven't bowled in the nets since that taxing finish in Sydney.

Paine backed the star trio to fire in Brisbane, where they will back up after a three-day turnaround.

"We've tried to rejuvenate all three of our big fast bowlers. Last week was a big week for them, especially a big day five," he said.

"They're professionals and the reason they're great Test cricketers is because they're all extremely durable."

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