Starc says Hazlewood's illness bigger factor than Lyon omission
Mitchell Starc said Josh Hazlewood's illness affected Australia's bowling plans more than the omission of Nathan Lyon in the second Test against South Africa.
Mitchell Starc said Josh Hazlewood's illness on day two hit Australia's plans harder than leaving out Nathan Lyon. Hazlewood was off the field after suspected food poisoning and only returned to bowl on the third morning.
Starc opened with Scott Boland, and the reduced seam attack forced them to bowl more overs than planned in the first innings. Field placements and rotation suffered too.
Australia are now chasing 426 after South Africa declared at 425 for nine, with Nic Maddinson gone for a duck to Kagiso Rabada. Starc still thinks the side can get there if the top order builds a platform.
CricHubb Take
Australia's seamers now face a longer workload on a wearing surface with one less option in the shed — the question is whether they can rotate without losing their edge before the fourth innings.