It remains a time of transition for Australia’s pace attack, with returning spearhead Mitchell Starc eager for the new-look group to make their own mark.
Starc has impressed in the nets this week and is set to end a six-month layoff at 3am AEST on Monday, when Australia face West Indies in an ODI at Guyana.
The potent left-armer’s importance to Australia can’t be underplayed.
The void left by the retirement of Mitchell Johnson has been extended by injuries to James Pattinson and Pat Cummins.
The ongoing ODI tri-series is also Australia’s first assignment since the resignation of bowling coach Craig McDermott.
“It’s a bit of a changing time,” Starc said.
“We’ve got a chance to cement our own spots in the team and build some more experience as a group and go our own way.
“We all do a great job together and we all pull each other along in games … whether you’ve played one game or 100, I think we all contribute really well.
“We all sort of take on a bit of that leadership … I wouldn’t call myself the leader. I think we all lead the attack quite well together.”
Starc’s modesty can’t hide the fact he will be Steve Smith’s strike weapon this month in the West Indies.
The 26-year-old is regarded by plenty as the best white-ball bowler in the world, having been named player of the 2015 World Cup.
Starc has also played 46 ODIs – more than the combined tally of squad members Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Scott Boland.
The express paceman is on track to break the 100-wicket barrier faster than any bowler in history, having snared 90 scalps in 46 ODIs.
However, it is likely Starc will be forced to rest at some point during the series after an extended break that followed ankle surgery.
“Hopefully I get picked and we take it from there. It’s a bit of play it by ear,” he said.
“I haven’t played a single game in six months.
“I’ve taken time to relax a little bit.
“Get that hunger back … and spend some time in the gym to get that strength back.”
Starc noted he still contacts former teammates Johnson and Ryan Harris for advice, while he was full of praise for outgoing mentor McDermott.
“I’ve got a lot to thank him for,” he said.
“He’s been great with the fast bowling group but unfortunately we’re going to have to move on and focus on this tour without him.”
Adam Griffith is serving as bowling coach on the current trip, with Cricket Australia still searching for McDermott’s permanent replacement.
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