Pitch perfect for Starc’s push for 300 wickets

Mitchell Starc is relishing a potential dream start to the summer’s test schedule on pace-friendly pitches and becoming the seventh Australian to reach 300 wickets.

Starc is 13 wickets away from the magical 300 mark, and has every chance to reach the figure in the two-test Frank Worrell Trophy series starting on Wednesday in Perth.

In doing so, he can join an illustrious list of Dennis Lillee, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Lyon by reaching the milestone.

The left-armer’s threat level is also underlined by his current wickettaking rate: Starc’s strike-rate of a wicket every 49.9 balls would be the best of any Australian to reach 300.

And it’s likely that conditions will be in his favour over the next fortnight against West Indies.

The Optus Stadium pitch was arguably the most lively and bouncy through the recent Twenty20 World Cup, with slips fielders regularly back on the edge of the 30-yard circle.

Starc has taken 14 wickets at the ground in two tests, against New Zealand and India, at an average of 15.85.

‘‘It’s one thing hearing it [will be a bouncy wicket], it’s another seeing it,’’ Starc said. ‘‘I think it’s still a very good wicket. You are rewarded for good shots and likewise good bowling.

‘‘Obviously one was a pink-ball game against New Zealand, but if you look at the India test here, it was a very good wicket for three days.’’

After Perth comes Adelaide, where Starc is regularly at his best with the pink ball.

The 32-year-old continues to lead the wicket-taking lists in day-night tests, with 75 at 18.41 and three separate fivewicket hauls.

‘‘I think that’s the best place to play cricket in the country,’’ Starc said.

‘‘It has been for a long time. The pink ball creates a different atmosphere and different feel.

‘‘Optus is probably a close second [to Adelaide]. They are two very good cricket wickets.’’

Australia have not played a test since they drew 1-1 with Sri Lanka in Galle in early July, with 22 white-ball fixtures having followed since.