Lanky paceman Mitchell Starc Wednesday said Australia stuck to their plans during their hard-fought four wicket win over Pakistan, negotiating rival spinners very well. Australia edged out Pakistan in the first limited overs international here Tuesday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with man-of-the-match Starc returning career best figures of 5-42. He was ably assisted by new-ball partner James Pattinson (3-19) as Australia bundled Pakistan out for a low score of 198 in 45.1 overs. Australia then fought hard through Michael Clarke (66) and George Bailey (57 not out) to overcome a threat from Pakistani spinners led by Saeed Ajmal (3-30) to win in 48.2 overs. Starc said Australia were ready for Pakistani spinners. “We knew it was going to be difficult coming here with the spinners. They know the conditions well and use it to their advantage. We knew if we took it right to the end with that total to chase, we had a good chance,” said Starc. “The three spinners, we knew they were going to be their key bowlers. With our team, we had a majority of quick bowlers. We just stuck to our plans really well on the day,” said Starc, who took 4-47 in Australia’s 66-run win over Afghanistan here on Saturday.
