By Tom Decent
Mitchell Starc says Pat Cummins remains upbeat despite his Ashes campaign hanging in the balance, and believes the Test captain won’t need an extended lead-in before returning to the team.
Cummins’ bid to play the opening Ashes Test is all but over, with reports on Wednesday confirming his back injury has not improved sufficiently.
There is a chance Cummins may not feature in the Ashes at all, given it is still unclear when he will return to bowling.
Starc, who will line up for the Sydney Sixers for the first time in 11 years following the Ashes series, said he was uncertain about Cummins’ injury, but he couldn’t resist a cheeky dig at the media.
“I think I should be asking you guys about Pat because you guys seem to have more knowledge about it than any other players,” Starc said. “I wake up and keep seeing headlines from you blokes.
“He’s been floating around a little bit, and he’s in good spirits. He’s ultra-positive as always. There’s still some weeks before we get to Perth for the Test prep. We’ll see where that lands. Hopefully, we see a lot of him through the summer.”
Mitchell Starc will play his first match for the Sixers in 11 years.Credit: Cricket Australia
With Cummins’ availability uncertain, Australia will lean on Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland to shoulder the workload against an England side confident of causing an upset.
Starc and Hazlewood are set to feature in a Sheffield Shield match for NSW against Victoria in early November before the Perth Test.
“One thing [I know about] playing with Pat and being close with Pat is he doesn’t need much [preparation],” Starc said. “Whether he’s bowled three warm-up balls, first over of the game, he’s on the money. He knows how to switch on really quickly. No doubt we’ll all – not just myself or Pat – in the squad be preparing slightly differently.”
Starc says he is ready to play five Tests if required, although coach Andrew McDonald has already signalled no fast bowler is likely to be asked to get through the full series.
Boland, who has played three Tests in three of the past four summers, looms as a key figure if Cummins is ruled out.
Australia’s bowling attack of Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Pat Cummins at the SCG.Credit: Getty Images
“I think everyone knows the skills and the ability of Scott Boland,” Starc said. “Whether you’ve seen him light up the MCG or seen him bowl for Victoria, we know the skill set he has to offer. His ability is amazing, and quite rightly, he’s a Test match-winning bowler. If he’s called upon for a lot more Test cricket, what a man, they’ll build him a statue sooner.
“I think the depth is there. You mentioned Nes [Michael Neser]; Sean Abbott’s been around the squad for a while. It’s times like these you might unearth someone.”
Starc is set to make a long-awaited return to the BBL after signing with the Sixers for the upcoming season, 11 years after his last appearance for the franchise.
Starc has signed a marquee supplementary player contract, but unlike previous seasons, he is expected to play matches.
The Sixers play three regular-season matches after the fifth Test at the SCG finishes on January 8, with the BBL final scheduled for January 25.
The BBL begins on December 14 with the Sixers facing the Scorchers in Perth.
Starc announced his retirement from T20 internationals earlier this year and will not feature at next year’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. He is Australia’s most successful male fast bowler in T20 internationals, having taken 79 wickets at 23.81.
The 35-year-old has not played in the BBL since its early seasons, having prioritised international duties during a period that has seen him become one of Australia’s best all-format bowlers.
“I’ve got no cricket scheduled between the fifth Test and the IPL at this stage, so it’s an opportunity to play some BBL cricket,” Starc said. “We’ve got the five Test matches to focus on, first and foremost, but post that, my intention is to be available to play some part if called upon.
“It’s been a nice eight weeks since the West Indies, to just spend some time on the body. I’m feeling in a good spot.”