Aussies push Ashes pace

MITCHELL Starc has declared Australia’s quicks will be out to psychologically flatten a drama-riddled England in the opening Ashes Test.

While James Pattinson (back) is unlikely to play, Starc, who will make his bowling comeback from injury on Friday for NSW, says Nathan Coulter-Nile and Jackson Bird are capable of stepping up to Ashes cricket.

“We’ve got a really solid attack and we complement each other. If it’s not me, you’ve got Pat Cummins who can bowl fast bouncers,” he said.