Former Australian quick Ryan Harris has rushed to the defence of Mitchell Starc, after he was targeted once again by Shane Warne in critical comments.
Warne has often gone after Starc and went again during the week, saying that he should be dropped for the Ashes after a “really poor world cup”.
The 31-year-old has not been at his dynamic best in the last 12 months and has not taken a five-wicket haul in almost two years.
While Jhye Richardson is knocking on the door through consistent Sheffield Shield performances, Harris is hoping selectors will stick with Starc.
“I don’t know what ‘Starcy’ (Starc) has done to ‘Warnie’ (Warne), I’m backing him in,” Harris told SEN SA Breakfast.
“I thought he bowled okay at the World Cup, he did what he needed to do, he did his job.
“But the thing for me is if Mitchell Starc is swinging the ball, albeit a white one, it’s a good sign, and he did that in just about every game in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
“I’m keeping him in… he adds a bit of variation as well.
“Don’t get me wrong, Jhye Richardson is bowling very well, we had a game against Queensland two weeks ago and the boys said he bowled very quick and swung the ball nicely.
“He’s in good form as well, but I like Mitchell Starc for that variation of the left arm.”
Harris proceeded to slam Warne for his criticism of the left-arm quick and thinks Starc’s ability to swing the ball in the anticipated overcast Brisbane conditions will be beneficial for the first Test.
“I don’t think he’s far away, if Mitchell Starc is swinging the ball it means he’s getting a good position with his wrist, and that generally allows you to put the ball consistently in the right spot,” he continued.
“So I’d be backing him for the first Test, especially at the Gabba, he loves it there.
“But again, I don’t know what he’s done to 'Warney', I’m a bit disappointed in that (Warne’s criticism).
“I’m not a big fan of coming out and slaying in the media, I hope that 'Warney' had a phone call to Starc and explained what he’s talking about.”
Richardson, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Michael Neser are the other fast bowlers in Australia’s 15 man squad alongside Starc, with only three expected to play.