Mitchell Starc admits rotation policy is hurting his game

Australian quick Mitchell Starc says the controversial fast bowler rotation policy isn’t helping his form, admitting consistent cricket plays a part in building his confidence with the red ball.

Mitchell Starc admits the rotation policy isn’t helping his game. Picture: Mark Brake

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Mitchell Starc will grin and bear Australia’s Test rotation policy despite revealing the adverse effects ‘stop start’ cricket has on his game.

Starc wishes the Test series opener against Pakistan at the Gabba wasn’t three weeks away after finding his groove with a 10/60 first-class haul against Tasmania last week.

Controversially parked for Australia’s final Test loss against England at The Oval, Starc notes a solid workload is crucial to his confidence and results with the red ball.

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Mitchell Starc admits the rotation policy isn’t helping his game. Picture: Mark Brake

“It is something I have had to learn to deal with. I am someone who likes to play a lot of cricket. I think stop start cricket hurts my rhythm and affects my approach, it becomes clouded,” Starc told The Sunday Mail.

Brett Lee is a strident critic of rotation arguing it affects team balance. However, rotation can carry the can for errant selection.

Australia arguably sabotaged a first Ashes series victory in England since 2001 by overlooking strike bowler Starc for Peter Siddle at The Oval.

Drinks waiting does unsettle Starc but the 52-Test speedster forthrightly said a horses for courses selection tactic worked from a team perspective with Australia retaining the Ashes in England.

Starc ripped apart Tasmania at Drummoyne Oval recently. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“When you are in a position like we were in the Ashes when you can pick a team based on conditions rather than fitness it is exciting and you need to buy in,” said Starc, with 215 Test scalps.

“We had that through the Ashes where it was really a squad mentality.”

Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Billy Stanlake and Riley Meredith represent incredible fast bowling depth for Australia.

Starc hopes figures of 5/40 and 5/20 through 45 overs against the Tigers before leaving for Australian Twenty20 duty will earn him a start against Pakistan from November 21 at the Gabba.

“Yeah they were coming out pretty well through the week so it is nice get some rhythm. I feel pretty clear,” said Starc.

Peter Siddle was picked over Starc for the final Ashes Test. Picture: Gareth Copley

“My approach and rhythm was key for me. It was nice to be back in Australian conditions.”

Starc took four wickets in his only 2019 Ashes appearance at Old Trafford where Australia won by 185 runs. Justin Langer’s hierarchy prioritised accuracy in English conditions but Starc’s strike rate of 50 stands out from Australia’s top 15 all-time wickettakers. Starc isn’t concerned by his 3.38 Test economy rate.

“I have played enough cricket to understand my approach in different conditions. Stats can tell any story you want,” Starc explained.

Starc’s 2019 World Cup team of the tournament inclusion highlights certainty around his limited overs status lacking in the Test arena.

Given a white ball Starc’s strike rate sharpens to 25 in the 50-over format and 16.9 in T20.

Sri Lanka will on Sunday in Adelaide cop the full force of Starc’s Ashes frustrations and desire to fine tune for next year’s World T20 in Australia.

“You want to be settled in a group and game plan 12 months out from the World Cup,” Starc said.

Starc has fronted in just four T20 internationals over four years. Australia must take T20 seriously to snag a breakthrough World Cup trophy and emulate its 2015 50-over title here where Starc was player of the tournament.

“Looking at the T20 schedule it looks like there’s a bigger approach, we have around 20 games before the World Cup starts,” said Starc.

“Being part of the one-day World Cup in Australia and winning it was very special for the players and staff and no doubt the T20 would as well. It is something that has eluded us.”

Originally published as Mitchell Starc admits rotation policy is hurting his game