Former fast bowler Zaheer Khan thinks that in the upcoming ODI series decider against Australia, India's top-order batters will need to find a way to counter the in-form Mitchell Starc. To see through the speedster's new-ball burst, he proposed that the Men in Blue batters play like a Test match. Zaheer noted out that if India fails to do so, Starc will make things very difficult for them due to his exceptional form.

Here's what Zaheer said about Starc after India's 10-wicket defeat to Australia in the second ODI on Cricbuzz: "How should we handle Mitchell Starc's form? You simply tackle it as if it were a Test match. You just have to make sure that the best three batters bear that burden. It is their responsibility to discover a way in the first 10-12 overs. "It is about absorbing pressure and finding answers.

I understand there is less time, but you must come up with those solutions. The bowler is in good form, his hit tail is up, and he'll hurl everything at you." The Indian batsmen were taken aback by Starc's fiery spells in the second ODI on Sunday. He ripped through the host team's star-studded lineup, taking his ninth five-wicket haul of the season. Australia was able to bundle out India for a paltry score of 117 thanks to Starc's efforts.

The tourists made a mockery of the mark, chasing it down in just 11 overs, handing India their biggest ODI defeat in terms of balls to spare. Notably, Starc impressed many with his bowling exploits in the first encounter, where he took three crucial wickets. In the film, veteran keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik believes David Warner should be dropped from Australia's playing XI for the third ODI against India.

He cautioned the swashbuckling opener not to rush his comeback after missing time with a finger injury. Karthik stated that the seasoned batter should stay in shape for upcoming crucial competitions such as the World Test Championship (WTC) final and the Ashes. While Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh have performed admirably in Warner's absence, the 37-year-old believes the senior player will return to the side once he is completely fit.

"David Warner is irreplaceable in that batting order," Karthik said of Warner's place in Australia's ODI squad. He is dependable and has recently performed admirably. Along with Travis Head, he has received high marks. So Warner and Head would be my starters. But the main question is, will he be fit? He does not want to be forced to join the game.

"He also understands that there's a big tournament coming in and there's a lot of cricket post that. He doesn't want to press himself more than he needs to. He is also aware that Marsh and Head have performed admirably, and he will undoubtedly be a part of the team in the future, so I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't appear in the next game.

" Marsh and Head wowed the crowd with their power-hitting in the second ODI, going undefeated on 66 and 51, respectively. The third and concluding meeting between the two countries will take place on March 22 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. With the series on the line, an exciting 50-over battle is on the cards.