'Wickets In Powerplay Allowed Us To Attack Even More': Mitchell Starc After 5-Wicket Haul In 2nd ODI vs India

Australian pacer and 'Man of the Match' Mitchell Starc said the early inroads he made into the Indian batting lineup during powerplay made his bowling partners attack more aggressively, resulting in the hosts being bundled out for 117 in just 26 overs during the second ODI in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. India suffered one of their worst ODI defeats against Australia with the visitors winning the match by 10 wickets to level the series 1-1 after Starc had wiped out the entire top order in powerplay. The left-arm pacer grabbed four wickets in powerplay overs and returned figures of 5/53 for the match as Australia levelled the series 1-1.

"Look, it was a complete bowling performance from us, the fact that we took powerplay wickets allowed us to attack even more throughout the innings," said Starc, who took his ninth five-for in ODIs.

He said the attacking intent while batting was also because India had been bundled out for a below-par total. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head minted fours and sixes during the 121-run unbeaten partnership as Australia finished the job in just 11 overs.

"With a lower total to chase, we could be aggressive in the powerplay and Mitch (Marsh) and Trav (Travis Head) came off really well with the bat," he said.

Starc likened the pitch at the YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium to Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, where Australia were bowled out for 188 on a seaming wicket and India too lost wickets in cluster at the top before winning by five wickets.

"It was similar to Mumbai in the fact that there was no scoreboard pressure on the chasing team at any stage," Starc added.

Starc exposed the Indian batters' frailties against quality left-arm pace bowling by swinging the ball into them. Suryakumar Yadav was