Ashes 2025-26: Mitchell Starc Reflects On Taking Extra Responsibility For Perth Test, Says 'Clear On Our Roles...'

Australia Men's Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team: Australian left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc will be the most experienced bowler in the line-up when the hosts take on England in the first test of the much-awaited Ashes on Friday at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Notably, regular captain Pat Cummins and senior bowler Josh Hazlewood have been ruled out of the first Test due to injuries.

Cummins, who is likely to make a comeback in the next Test, has an issue with his back, whereas Josh Hazlewood got ruled out with a hamstring strain. Starc will find support with the impressive Scott Boland along with all-rounder Cameron Green and debutant Brendan Doggett.

“I think we’re all pretty clear on our roles. Obviously, I’ve got a bit more experience. Scotty’s been around for quite a while, so it’s not like I’m telling him what to do," Starc said.

“We’ve got Patty in the sheds with us anyway, so I might take on a bit more of an experienced role. But we’ve all been around for a while, so it’s about staying together as a group."

“I don’t listen anyway. I’m not someone who’s going to hold back or be cautious. It is what it is. You can’t prepare for Tests three, four, and five without playing the first one. We’re all focused on this week. It’ll be handbrake off and away we go," Starc told reporters on Wednesday.

Starc also stated that he believed in Doggett’s ability to make a stellar debut in the Ashes, being Australia’s third pace bowling option.

“Brendan was a lot younger and more inexperienced back then. We knew his potential, and since then, he’s transitioned to South Australia. He’s in top form and has had a good couple of weeks. We as a group know his capabilities and the skills he brings."

“He’s probably more comfortable in his own skin and around the group now than he was in 2018. If he gets his opportunity this week, it’ll be exciting to see what he can do in a Test match. Having had him around the group over the years, I think he’s in a great headspace," Starc added.

Not sure of the wicket: Starc

“It’s all good to look at the wicket, but until both teams have played on it, we can’t be sure what it’ll do. The training wickets had a bit of sideways movement and some variation in bounce."

“We know everyone likes to talk about the pace and bounce of Perth, but we’ve also seen wickets here that have been flat and docile. So, despite the speculation about the wicket, we won’t know what to expect until we’ve played on it."

Inputs from Agency