FORMER Australian Test spinner Stuart MacGill has declared Steve Smith’s public scolding of Mitchell Starc is not a good look for the Australian team.
MacGill said he doesn’t like the idea of the fast-bowler being publicly raked over the coals despite overstepping the mark with his intention to intimidate batsman Mark Craig during Australia’s first Test win at the Gabba.
Starc was the best of the Australian bowlers with six wickets, however his performance with the ball has been overshadowed by ICC match referee Roshan Mahanama’s decision to fine him half his match fee — $7000 — for breaching Level 2 of the ICC code of conduct.
Smith yesterday said he would speak with Starc privately about the incident.
“I thought it was pretty disappointing. He’s done it a few times,” Smith said.
“I’m going to have a word to him when we get back down to the (dressing) sheds.
“It wasn’t necessary at the time. Hopefully he can improve and get better from that.
“I don’t think he needs to apologise (to Craig). I just don’t think he needs to do it in the future.
“There wasn’t an opportunity for a run out and it was just a bit of frustration. He needs to let it out in other ways.”
While Starc was the one being sprayed, MacGill said Smith may have gone too far.
The former wrist spinner agreed that Starc shouldn’t have thrown the ball at Craig in frustration at a time when the Aussies only needed one wicket to wrap up the Test, but says bowlers need to be given some slack when it comes to showing aggression.
“The reality is you get frustrated,” MacGill told Fox Sports.
“You get angry. Perhaps you shouldn’t get angry.
“You don’t want to see it, but I don’t know if I want to see the captain having a go at the bowlers for getting a wicket either.
“I think anger is a part of sport. We don’t want something outside of the rules occurring.
“You can’t ping it at the batsman, especially when you’re trying to shake him up a bit.
“Can you imagine, you bowl it at 150km/h and you’re allowed to bowl bouncers. Just wait for the next ball and pin him.”
Former Australian quick Brendon Julian also said Starc was out of line.
“Starcy come on mate,” he said.
“He’s not trying to prevent a run out.
“I wouldn’t be happy.”
Online Source