Cricket legend Shane Warne has once again criticised the form of fast bowler Mitchell Starc and suggested he be axed from Australia’s Test team.
Warne has been critical of Starc on several occasions in the past and called for him to be replaced in the Aussie line-up, but selectors have ignored the Spin King’s requests.
The 31-year-old left-arm quick has taken 255 Test wickets for his country at 25.57. He did struggle last summer, taking only 11 wickets in four matches against India at an average of 40.72.
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At the T20 World Cup – which Australia won last month – Starc took nine wickets at 27.55. He was belted by New Zealand in the final, though, going for 0-60.
Now Warne wants Australia to drop Starc before the first Ashes Test at the Gabba starting December 8.
“He needs to find a bit of rhythm and some form,” Warne said.
“He had a really poor World Cup. He’s just not bowling well enough.
“It’s too important at the Gabba. I’m all for Jhye Richardson (replacing Starc).”
The job of selectors has been made trickier by the fact Australia hasn’t played a Test match since February.
But using Twenty20 form to pick or axe a player from a Test side is unusual, and would be a mightily harsh call on Starc if it came to reality.
Warne also says off-spinner Nathan Lyon is “under pressure” to retain his spot in the Test side after also struggling against India last summer.
Warne has been vocal in his support for Queensland leggie Mitchell Swepson to make his Test debut.
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