Is Starc Ready to Take on Greater Responsibility as the Sole Senior Pacer in the Ashes Opener?
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Synopsis
With the Ashes series opener approaching, Mitchell Starc prepares to lead a young Australian bowling attack. Without the usual veterans, can he rise to the occasion and support debutant Brendan Doggett? Discover what Starc has to say about his new role and the team's dynamics.
Key Takeaways
- Mitchell Starc is ready to lead the Australian bowling attack.
- Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are unavailable due to injuries.
- Starc is confident in Brendan Doggett's abilities as a debutant.
- The team dynamic emphasizes unity and experience.
- Pitch predictions are speculative until both teams have played.
Perth, Nov 19 (NationPress) Left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc expressed his readiness to take on additional responsibilities as the sole senior pacer in the upcoming Ashes series opener, commencing this Friday at Perth Stadium.
With captain Pat Cummins out due to a back stress injury, and Josh Hazlewood recovering from a hamstring strain, Starc will lead a less experienced Australian fast bowling lineup that includes Scott Boland, debutant Brendan Doggett, and all-rounder Cameron Green.
“We all understand our roles clearly. I have a bit more experience, but Scotty has been around for quite a while, so I’m not here to instruct him,” Starc stated.
“Pat is still with us in the dressing room. I might take on a more experienced role, but we’ve all been through a lot together, so it’s essential to stick as a unit.”
“I’m not one to hold back or bowl cautiously. It’s essential to focus on the first Test rather than worrying about the third, fourth, or fifth. We’re all set for this week. It’s full throttle from the start,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
Starc also expressed confidence in Doggett handling the pressure of his Ashes debut as the third pace option. Doggett first joined the Australian squad during the 2018 Test series in the UAE against Pakistan, and Starc believes he has made significant progress since then.
“Brendan was younger and less experienced back then. We recognized his potential, and since then, he’s switched to South Australia. He’s coming in with great momentum after a solid few weeks. We know what he can do,” Starc added.
“Now that he’s older, he’s likely more comfortable in his role and among the team. I’m genuinely excited to see what he can achieve in a Test match if given the chance this week. Having trained with him over the years, I can say he’s in an excellent mental state.”
Despite both Australian and English batsmen facing challenges on lively practice pitches this week, Starc refuted claims of a ‘green Mamba’ pitch for the Ashes opener, suggesting that such forecasts might be inaccurate.
“It’s easy to analyze the pitch, but until both teams face it, we can’t truly anticipate its behavior. The practice wickets have shown some variability, with both lateral movement and bounce.”
“While there’s a reputation for pace and bounce in Perth, we’ve also seen pitches here that were quite flat and unresponsive. Everyone can speculate about the pitch, but we won’t know what to expect until we play on it,” he concluded.
Point of View
We recognize the significance of Mitchell Starc's leadership role in the Australian team. His experience will be vital, especially in a young bowling lineup. The dynamics within the team reflect resilience and adaptability, crucial qualities for success in the Ashes.
NationPress
19/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the Australian bowling attack in the Ashes opener?
Mitchell Starc is leading the Australian bowling attack as the sole senior pacer in the Ashes opener.
What challenges is the Australian team facing?
The Australian team is facing challenges with key players like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood injured, leaving a less experienced bowling lineup.
How does Mitchell Starc feel about his role?
Mitchell Starc feels prepared to take on additional responsibilities and is focused on supporting his teammates.
What does Starc think about the pitch conditions?
Starc believes it's premature to predict the pitch behavior until both teams have played on it.
What is Brendan Doggett's history with the Australian team?
Brendan Doggett first joined the Australian squad during the 2018 Test series in the UAE against Pakistan.
