“Since we can use saliva this season, and since there isn’t much grass on the surface, you can get the ball to reverse,” Axar said.

“I feel it’s fair for bowlers, given how the grounds are, and how batsmen’s bats are, and how runs keep flowing.

“We’re getting 180-190 scores, and it’s fun when that happens, because it’s competitive cricket, and it’s not as if there’s nothing in it for the bowlers. So, I feel, we’re able to get reverse-swing because of the use of saliva.”

Rajasthan Royals batter Nitish Rana credited Starc for his exceptional display.

“The wicket was a little tricky and obviously not easy for a new batter. The wicket was slow, the ball was stopping, the ball was turning,” Rana said.

“Obviously the credit goes to Starc, but the saliva makes a lot of difference. We didn’t use saliva at all in the last two-three years, and we didn’t do this type of batting even in the nets, because reverse-swing had completely gone away from cricket, whether it was red ball or white ball.

“Suddenly, if someone can execute 11 yorkers in 12 balls at a 145 kmph pace, then you have to give Starc the credit.”