Mitchell Starc Ready to Take on Spearhead Role in Australia’s Pace Attack for the Ashes

The first Ashes test is approaching fast, and Mitchell Starc is ready to lead the Australian pace attack in the absence of Pat Cummins. He is the most experienced bowler in the lineup, fully aware of the magnitude of the opportunity. In the upcoming Perth test, he carries the added responsibility of leading an attack that lacks experience in handling the intensity of the Ashes.

Keeping that in view, Mitchell Starc is confident that he is up for the challenge. He is also optimistic about the debutant Brendan Doggett, who will take on the aggressive England batters for the first time in Australia. This will be a stern test for the Queensland bowler, who has reportedly been given the nod by the management to represent the Australian pace attack in the absence of Josh Hazlewood.

"Obviously I've got a little bit more experience there. Scotty's been around for a fair while now, so it's not like I'm telling him what to do. We've got Patty in the sheds with us anyway. So yeah, I may take on a little bit of an experienced role, if you like. But we've all been around the traps for a while, so it's just staying together as a group." said Mitchell Starc while talking to the reporters.

Speaking about Brendan Doggett, Starc said that he has become a much more mature bowler now. The pacer further highlighted Doggett’s contributions for South Australia, where he usually leads the team’s pace attack. Keeping that in view, the Australian team management has full confidence in him and he is also ready for the upcoming challenge.

"Brendan was a lot younger and rawer then. We knew what he was about, and since then he's made the change to South Australia. I think he's come in red-hot. He's had a good couple of weeks. We as a group know what he's capable of, and the skills that he presents.” said Mitchell Starc.

“And being a little bit older than back in 2018, he's probably a little bit more comfortable in his own skin and around the group. So really excited if he gets his opportunity this week to see what he can do on a Test arena. Having had him around the group for a while over the years, I think he's certainly in a great headspace." added Mitchell Starc.

Positive Signs for Cummins Ahead of Brisbane Test

Talking about Pat Cummins, Starc said that he is optimistic about the skipper’s return for the Brisbane Test. He praised Cummins’ training intensity, saying that his approach in the nets is simply exceptional.

"Probably understand why he doesn't train much, because when he does, he makes us all look silly. He was really, really sharp the other day. Sounds like he's pulling up pretty well. So very positive." said Mitchell Starc.

The unavailability of Cummins in the lower order batting is a massive concern for the Australian team. His absence means Starc has to bat at no.8 position, a spot he usually does not like in international cricket.

"I've been trying to get rid of No. 8 for a while, and now I have to go back there. You all think we fight about getting higher up the order. We all fight to get lower.” said Mitchell Starc.

“We know how important, how beneficial contributions there can be to first innings, second innings, setting up a total, whatever it may be. That'll play a part. I will keep working on it.” concluded Mitchell Starc.

Keeping these statements in view, it could be said that Starc needs to fill the void of Cummins in both batting and bowling. It would be interesting to see how he’ll take that challenge, as England is fully aware of the currently visible loopholes in the Australian team.