Declaration not on Australia's mind just yet, says Starc
Australia lost wickets but added more runs to their already sizeable lead in the final session on day three of the World Test Championship 2023 Final.
The Aussies have dominated the majority of the opening three days at The Oval and head into Saturday's penultimate day with a lead of 296 and with the No.1 ranked Test batter Marnus Labuschagne still at the crease as one of six Australian wickets remaining.
Chasing large totals in the fourth innings of Test matches has become quite a fad during this current World Test Championship period, with England's brash approach with the bat under new coach Brendon McCullum allowing them to make a habit of successful fourth innings run chases that included their effort of reaching 378 for victory against India at Edgbaston last year.
But Starc knows this one-off clash at The Oval is a completely different prospect and there is still plenty of time left before his team even considers making a declaration.
"I haven't spoken to Pat (captain Pat Cummins) yet, so I don't know and it's not my decision, but I think we will keep batting for now," Starc said after an intriguing day's play in south London on Friday.
"We have still got two days to play. The weather's been good and I think it's warmer tomorrow. Hopefully the pitch starts playing a few more tricks but as far as I know it, we are still going to be batting tomorrow."
Taking a nap before his innings, Marnus Labuschagne was awoken on The Oval balcony by India fans celebrating David Warner's wicket.
India would have to break a 121-year record to win the Test at The Oval, with the highest successful run chase in the final innings of a Test at the iconic London venue recorded way back in 1902 when England chased down 263 against Australia.
The pitch this time around does look somewhat tricky, with Australia and India's bowlers extracting some invariable bounce as early as the opening day.
"It's certainly showing more signs of inconsistency as we go on," Starc said of the pitch.
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"It seems to be a good toss to lose. But yeah, I think obviously with the weather that we've had and the weather that's coming up, it might play some more tricks.
"I think it's supposed to be 29 (degrees) tomorrow and a bit of sunshine over the weekend, so it might just play a few more tricks as the game goes on."