Starc retains faith in Australia’s pace power despite injuries
The Australian veteran will spearhead the hosts’ fast bowling attack in the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood in the first Ashes Test at Perth.
Mitchell Starc who is just three wickets away from a century of Test wickets against England is ready to take up the additional responsibility of leading the Australian pace attack as the hosts begin the five-match Ashes series against England at the Perth Stadium on Friday.
The ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 runners-up will be without the services of regular skipper Cummins and Hazlewood for the opening Test.
Thirty-five-year-old Starc, who hasn’t missed a Test match through injury since 2022, is gearing up to carry the additional burden in the absence of the two quicks.
"I think we're all pretty clear on what our roles are," Starc said on Wednesday.
"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, I may take on a little bit of an experienced role. But we've all been around the traps for a while, so it's just staying together as a group.”
Along with Boland, Brendan Doggett is likely to fill their void in Perth and Starc believes the duo are more than capable of stepping up to the occasion.
Doggett, if selected, will make his Test debut for Australia. At 31 years of age, he has 50 First Class matches under his belt but the pressure of an Ashes series would be a different challenge for the pacer.
Starc, who has seen his growth over the last seven years, believes that Doggett has the tools to make an impression.
“We knew what he was about, and since then he's made the change to South Australia," Starc added.
"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.
“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 the Test arena.
"Having had him around the group for a while over the years, I think he's certainly in a great headspace.”
Australia are unbeaten in six straight home Test series that includes a 4-0 win over England in 2021-22 and would be hoping to continue the home dominance in 2025-26.
The first Test in Perth, come November 21, will set the tone for a mouthwatering Test series ahead.
