Mitchell Starc, the final member of Australia’s big three, argues that as the senior player in their revamped pace assault, he might assume some additional responsibilities. However, he thinks Brendan Doggett’s form and Scott Boland’s experience will help them in the first Ashes Test in Perth.
Since breaking his finger on Boxing Day in 2022, Starc, 35, has not missed a Test due to injury, making him Australia’s ironman. In Australia’s final Test match in July, he achieved his 100th Test and claimed his 400th Test wicket. In Perth, he will spearhead the attack in the absence of Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. Interestingly, he will be the only Australian quick bowler to have bowled in a first-class match at Perth Stadium, as Doggett and Boland have only played BBL games there.
However, Starc is certain that both guys will manage the momentous occasion at the beginning of the series. On Wednesday, he stated, “I think we’re all pretty clear on what our roles are,”
“I have a little bit more experience there, of course. It’s not like I’m giving him instructions because Scotty has been around for a good amount of time. In any case, Patty is with us in the sheds. So, yes, if you like, I could assume a slightly more experienced role. But it’s just remaining together as a bunch since we’ve all been around the traps for a while.”
Doggett is expected to make his debut as Australia’s third quick in the attack, and Starc thinks he can handle the strain of an Ashes series. Starc believes Doggett has made significant progress since his first tour with Australia’s Test team in 2018, when they first met during a series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
Starc remarked, “Brendan was a lot younger and rawer then,” “He moved to South Australia once we realised what he was about.
He’s come in hot, in my opinion. He’s had a pleasant few weeks. As a group, we are aware of his abilities and skills. Additionally, he’s likely a little more at ease in his own skin and with the group now that he’s a little older than he was in 2018. If he gets the chance this week to show off his skills in a test arena, I’m ecstatic. I believe he’s in a wonderful frame of mind, having had him in the group for a number of years.”
Following a small delay in Australia’s training due to a lightning strike, Starc and Doggett performed a clinic in the Perth Stadium nets on Wednesday morning under cloudy conditions.
The two hammered Steven Smith, Jake Weatherald, Usman Khawaja, and Cameron Green for an hour. The Perth Stadium nets have been difficult for hitters to work with all week. After cleaning off some rust in the ODI series against India, Starc looked in excellent rhythm and nicked off Smith. He had recently rediscovered something during his Sheffield Shield appearance.
He acknowledged that Cummins bowled better in the nets on Monday than he did. After missing Tuesday’s optional session, Cummins attended training on Wednesday but did not bowl. After recovering well from his eight-over period on Monday, the injured captain is getting closer to making a comeback in Brisbane.
“Probably understand why he doesn’t train much, because when he does, he makes us all look silly,” Starc stated. “The other day, he was incredibly sharp. He seems to be doing fairly well. So really good.
While Cummins’ absence with the ball is a significant setback, it may be more difficult to make up for his absence with the bat. Doggett has a top score of 49, but his first-class average is only 8.57, and he has never reached a half-century. With Nathan Lyon moving up to No. 9 and Starc going back to No. 8, a position he has been attempting to avoid for a number of years due to his batting’s sharp fall since his important early career contributions, he will probably bat at No. 11 behind Boland.
“I’ve been trying to get rid of No. 8 for a while, and now I have to go back there,” Starc stated. “You all believe that we argue over moving up the hierarchy. To get lower, we all battle.
“We are aware of the significant and advantageous contributions that can be made to the first, second, or setting up a total, among other things. That will be a factor. I’ll continue to work on it.
India
