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Confidence the key for inconsistent Starc

Roar Pro
11th January, 2015
2

Stay confident and keep it simple that is Mitchell Starc’s mantra as he seeks to establish himself as one of Australia’s top fast bowlers.

Starc was named in Australia’s World Cup squad on Sunday and will battle Mitchell Johnson, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood for the pace berths in their XI during the tournament.

The left-armer was dropped from the Test side after a disappointing outing at the Gabba.

But the 24-year-old was back to his best in Sydney, having been recalled following Johnson’s hamstring injury.

“Being the only left-armer and being given a license to go out there and bowl as fast as I can was enjoyable,” Starc said.

“I just wanted to get out there and bowl fast, get a few up there in the 145 and 150 km/h.

“Being the guy out there to bowl fast and be aggressive, and having that confidence may have helped as well.”

Starc was relegated to Big Bash League duties following the second Test, but the lanky quick credited the Twenty20 stint with helping him rediscover his best form.

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“It’s always much better when you come off a few good days with the ball but I think those two games definitely helped me,” Starc said.

“Going back to what I know better with the white ball and having that confidence there leading into this Test match, it did do a lot of things for me.

“I guess gave me that confidence to just go out there and try to bowl fast.

“I was really pleased with how it came out in the 50 odd overs that I bowled.”

Starc’s body language was criticised by Shane Warne during the second Test, but denied that was the reason for a spirited send-off of Murali Vijay in Sydney.

“I was just happy to get a wicket in the first over,” he said.

“It was the build up of a little bit of emotion, but mainly excitement to start so well.”

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Starc has been in and out of the Test side for the past three years, but he’s hopeful of using his prowess with the white ball to secure a consistent stint in the team.
It’d be nice to play a few in a row,” he said.

“It comes back to myself and taking those opportunities when I get them.

“Over these past five days I’ve probably taken those opportunities more than I have in the past.”

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