Starc adds clout to the Aussie attack

Sydney – Mitchell Starc’s return to the Australian fold will not only add teeth to their pace attack but also aid Nathan Lyon’s battle against India’s phalanx of right-handed batsman, the off-spinner said.

Left-arm quick Starc is scheduled to return from compassionate leave to join rest of his team mates in Adelaide before the fourtest series begins with a day-night match on Thursday.

While Starc’s pink-ball mastery is likely to come in handy for the hosts, Lyon is hoping to bowl into the footmarks from the other end to try and trouble a rival lineup dominated by right-handed batsmen.

“I’ve obviously been working quite hard on bowling to right-handers,” Lyon, who needs 10 dismissals to join the 400 Test wicket club, told reporters. “I’m looking to really try and compete against both edges, try bring both edges into play with catchers around the bat.

“So it’s going to be a big challenge but I’m very lucky Mitch Starc is joining the squad, it should be good fun.”

Lyon was the joint highest wicket-taker, along with Jasprit Bumrah, two seasons ago when India won their first-ever Test series in Australia and the 33-yearold said he was looking forward to facing India’s spin-proficient batsmen. –