Australian cricketing legend Shane Warne has once again criticised Aussie paceman Mitchell Starc, explaining how the 31-year-old’s form isn’t great heading into this summer’s Ashes series against England.
Warne, who has previously delivered scathing assessments of Starc’s form and attitude in recent years, told Fox Cricket Starc is “nowhere” in relation to fitting in to the Australian XI ahead of the Gabba Test.
“He had a really poor (T20) World Cup. He’s just not bowling well enough,” Warne said.
“He needs to find a bit of rhythm and some form.
“It’s too important at the Gabba. So I’m all for Jhye Richardson (to replace him).”
Starc took nine wickets at 27.55 in Australia’s victorious T20 World Cup campaign, ending the tournament with figures of 0-60 from his four overs.
Warne, who has a history of publicly criticising the experienced bowler, also put Nathan Lyon on notice, explaining how his form dipped last summer and that pressure may be put on in coming weeks.
“He had a poor summer last year, so did Mitchell Starc, so that’s where Australia really struggled. Lyon’s form isn’t great,” Warne added.
“I hope Swepson gives an option for the selectors then to say ‘well, you know, Nathan’s not bowling that well or we want to play two spinners’, put some pressure on Nathan Lyon.”
The Gabba Test gets underway on December 8, with many crucial selection calls to be made that could revamp the Australian Test side completely.