There wasn't much bowlers could do on flat track: Mitchell Starc

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc today said the "flat" Mohali track has made the job tough for the bowlers as close to 700 runs have been scored in two days of play in the third cricket Test, here.

Giving a firm reply to Australia's first innings total of 408, India today amassed 283 runs without losing a wicket as debutant Shikhar Dhawan scored a majestic unbeaten 185.

Starc, who himself scored 99 coming at number nine, said the key to success on such wicket was remaining patient and bowling in tandem with a partner.

"It's very flat. Obviously, a lot of runs have been scored, 700 odd runs in two days of cricket for ten wickets. It is hard for the bowlers, but I guess it is more about being patient and getting some bowling partnerships in place. It's probably something we did in patches today and it has cost us on the scoreboard," Starc said.

Starc had words of praise for Indian openers – Dhawan and Murali Vijay (83 batting) -- and said that they would try break the stand.

"We just have to break the partnership, take the wickets early on and make some inroads into their batting. They batted well with wicket offering nothing. It's nice to bat on, but Shikhar played well. He batted well, he is dominant on the off side. He's one batsman whom we cant afford to give much width to play his shots. There were times when we were not as much patient as we should have been.

"We will come back tomorrow, re-gather ourselves..and hopefully, put some pressure on them and take some early wickets and have bowling partnerships going," he said.

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