Starc keen to get at Poms as Pattinson doubts rise
MITCHELL Starc has declared Australia’s quicks will be out to psychologically flatten a drama- riddled England in the opening Ashes Test, but doubts are rising about James Pattinson’s place in that fast bowling cartel amid fears he remains ever vulnerable to recurring stress fractures in his back.
Victoria had hoped Pattinson would return to action in the one- day cup this week, but Australian assistant coach David Saker has revealed the right- arm tearaway has suffered yet another “setback” in his recovery from chronic back problems.
The exact nature of the damage is unknown, but it’s understood there are worries within the Australian camp that unlike the full recovery made by Pat Cummins this year, the reality for 27- year- old Pattinson might be that the main stress fracture in his back remains an ever- present weakness that could threaten or curtail his career.
Australia will be sweating on Pattinson playing in one of the opening three Sheffield Shield matches leading into the first Test, but there is now a dark cloud hanging over his Ashes place and the much- vaunted four- pronged fast bowling arsenal could already be down to three.
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.
But regardless of who lines up, Starc is adamant Australia have the right fast bowling combinations to replicate the destruction caused by an in- sync Mitchell Johnson- led attack back in the Ashes whitewash of 2013- 14, a series in which England were left mentally destroyed after just one Test – with No. 3 Jonathan Trott forced to fly home.
“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 and Josh Hazlewood bowling consistent line and length,” said Starc.
Saker indicated Pattinson’s status may not be known until later in the week.
“James Pattinson’s had a little bit of a setback. We’re not sure how bad ( the injury is) at the moment,” he said.
Starc, confident his foot injury is fully healed, is hoping to play the majority of the one- day cup and is slated to play the first two Sheffield Shield matches, before tapering off ahead of the first Ashes Test.