Mitchell Starc is stepping into a bigger leadership role as Australia prepares for the Ashes opener in Perth. With Pat Cummins sidelined due to a back stress issue and Josh Hazlewood recovering from a hamstring strain, Starc becomes the only seasoned fast bowler in the lineup. He will guide a relatively inexperienced attack featuring Scott Boland, debutant Brendan Doggett, and all-rounder Cameron Green.
Starc acknowledged that the group understands their responsibilities clearly and that while he has more Test experience, it doesn’t mean he’s instructing others. As he explained, “I think we’re all pretty clear on what our roles are. 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.”
He added that Cummins will still be around the team, offering support, and that he may naturally take up a senior role. However, Starc emphasized their unity: “We’ve all been around the traps for a while, so it’s just staying together as a group.”
Confidence in Doggett and a Fearless Approach
Starc reiterated that he won’t adjust his style despite the added burden. His assertive mindset was clear when he said, “I don’t listen anyway. I’m not someone who’s going to bowl within myself or be cautious with anything. It is what it is. You can’t prepare for Test three, four and five without playing the first one. We’re all focused on this week. It’ll be handbrake off and away we go.”
He also expressed strong confidence in Brendan Doggett, who is set to take on his first Ashes Test. Starc believes Doggett has matured significantly since he was first picked during the 2018 tour of the UAE.
He noted that the bowler’s move to South Australia has strengthened his game, saying Doggett has “come in red-hot” after consistent performances. Starc remarked, “Brendan was a lot younger and rawer then… I think he’s come in red-hot… 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.”
Pitch Speculation and Starc’s Balanced Perspective
Despite lively practice pitches troubling both sides’ batters, Starc cautioned against assuming the match wicket will behave the same. Dismissing the idea of a dangerous “green Mamba” surface, he said pitch predictions often miss the mark.
Starc explained that training strips showed sideways movement and variable bounce, but the actual match wicket could differ entirely. As he stated, “Everyone can say what they want about the wicket, but until you’ve played on it, we won’t know what to expect.”
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