Talha enamoured by Starc's 'Australia first' attitude

While the Mackay Test ended inside two days, Shoriful Islam’s seven-wicket haul in the first innings attracted plenty of attention. 

The Bangladesh left-arm seamer received praise not only from his own camp but also from Australia great Mitchell Starc, who had a conversation with Shoriful and Bangladesh pace-bowling coach Talha Jubair after the innings.

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Speaking to The Daily Star, Talha shared details of his conversation with the Australian pace great.

“Not just Shoriful, I also wanted to listen to what Starc had to say and had a few questions of my own,” Talha explained.

Starc has enjoyed a long and highly successful career since making his international debut in 2010. At 36, the left-arm seamer shows no signs of slowing down. In the Mackay Test, he surpassed Dale Steyn’s tally of 439 Test wickets to move into the top 10 wicket-takers in the format’s history.

It was Starc’s longevity and sustained performance that particularly interested Talha.

“Our discussion was primarily about how he maintains his fitness and what his preparation routine looks like. For instance, when they play five Test matches in the Ashes, Starc plays all five. But there is quite a gap between the first and second Tests. During that gap, he bowls a lot because he says bowling is an important part of his preparation,” Talha said.

“He mentioned, ‘I am 36 years old; I don't have to strictly monitor my bowling workload anymore. My body needs a lot of bowling to be match-ready. On the other hand, Pat Cummins needs very little bowling to get his body ready. It is completely individual.’”

According to Talha, Starc wanted Shoriful to understand that there is no universal formula for managing a fast bowler’s workload.

“What he told Shoriful was that you have to understand your own body, whether it requires more bowling or less bowling to be ready. No coach, trainer or physio can determine that for you until you understand your own body yourself. That was one of the points he made,” Talha said.

Starc also explained how he manages the gaps between Ashes Tests. Once the interval becomes shorter after the second Test, he concentrates more on running, gym work and rehabilitation, Talha said.

“He talked about some specific running and gym work that he does,” Talha added.

Talha also had a question of his own for the Australian veteran.

“What is your ultimate priority?” he asked.

Starc’s answer left a lasting impression.

“‘Australia comes first over anything. Australia is first, then everything else.’”

Talha said Starc’s approach was evident in his decision to prioritise Test cricket.

“You will see that he skips white-ball matches. He focuses primarily on red-ball cricket. I believe his target is to retire with 600-plus Test wickets, which shows the immense value they place on Test cricket,” Talha said.

Talha is currently working with Bangladesh’s Under-17 side at the GD Trophy tournament. He also revealed that he is expected to work with the national setup during the Asian Games in Japan.

“The board president called me to guide the Under-17 team for the GD Trophy, so I joined their practice today and will be on the field every day during this tournament. As for the Asian Games, I don't know the exact squad yet, but practice might start around the 13th,” he concluded.

*Read excerpts from the interview on The Daily Star's website.