Australia v India: placid SCG pitch won’t stop World Cup’s best bowler Mitchell Starc, says Brett Lee

AUSTRALIA legend Brett Lee believes a “low and slow” SCG wicket should make no difference to the tournament’s most lethal wicket-taker, Mitchell Starc.

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MITCHELL Starc is out to prove he’s the most unstoppable force in world cricket by conquering an SCG wicket that has even fast bowling greats scratching their heads.

Brett Lee admits he has grave concerns over the quality of his beloved Sydney deck but emphasised no surface is bleak enough to stop super-Starc’s arsenal of fast-paced yorkers.

With 18 wickets from just six games, Starc has blitzed all-comers with a mind-blowing average of 9.7.

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Starc sends one down during training at the SCG.

But against India, on a less-than-conducive pitch, in the pressure of a World Cup semi-final looms as his biggest test.

ICC chief pitch inspector Andy Atkinson and a host of his constables were out in force again on Wednesday monitoring the 22-yard strip which many fear will favour India’s proficiency with spin.

But two-time World Cup winner Lee says the “low and slow” wicket should make no difference to the tournament’s most lethal wicket-taker, as long as the Australian spearhead is mentally strong enough to block out the demons.

“The way that Mitchell Starc has been bowling with the brand new ball, most of the work is done through the air and also with his pace,” Lee told News Corp Australia.

“If he’s bowling massive yorkers with a brand new ball it doesn’t matter what surface you’re playing on because the ball only hits the wicket on the crease line.

“There’s been many times where I used to go look at the wicket and you get excited or you think it’s going to be tough work — and straight away you’re either on the front or back foot.

“The key most importantly is to not worry about the wicket.”

Starc took four wickets against Scotland.

Australian captain has attempted to allay fears about the surface by denying today’s toss will be crucial.

The grassless pitch has been rolled heavily over the past few days and it’s hoped it will stay firm enough for the duration of both innings, otherwise a crumbling wicket could make winning almost impossible for the team batting second.

“I don’t think the toss (is vital),” said Clarke.

“Whatever you do first, you have to do it well.

“The SCG in general is … as good a place to bat as anywhere in the world. I’m confident this game will be no different.”

Lee says Australia deserve no special favours from home curators, but that the SCG deserves a wicket more true to its character as one of the great cricket grounds in the world.

“My gut feel is it’s going to be low and slow,” he said.

“I’m for having a wicket that suits the ground and I’m not convinced … a low slow wicket is what suits the SCG.

“Am I concerned? I would probably say yes, slightly I am because I want to make sure it’s the normal, traditional Sydney wicket.

“It’s like going over to Perth and playing on an absolute road … it doesn’t suit the ground.”

Australian selector Mark Waugh indicated the hosts would go in with an unchanged line-up to the one that overcame Pakistan in the quarterfinal, despite the possibility of spin playing a part.

That means Josh Hazlewood is expected to retain his place as the third bowler in the attack, and Glenn Maxwell, Michael Clarke and possibly Aaron Finch and Steve Smith will be called upon to provide the spin.

Starc celebrates taking a wicket against Sri Lanka.

It was on this ground two weeks ago for the pool game against Sri Lanka that all-rounder Shane Watson earned a shock recall based on his bowling experience.

That day Watson was carted for over 10 an over, but Lee says once the new balls get old, it’s his former teammate who may pose the biggest threat.

“When you’re playing on low, slow wickets you’ve got to get it right through the middle and I think that’s where someone like a Shane Watson could be so crucial to Australia bowling stump to stump with his pace and change-ups,” said Lee.

“I reckon that will potentially help what Australia try and do and actually get through those middle overs and make some inroads into the Indian batting line-up.”