Australia vs India 2018: Mitchell Starc Should be Axed if he Fails in Perth - Mark Waugh

Former Australia cricketer Mark Waugh has called for the axing of paceman Mitchell Starc if he fails to deliver in the second Border-Gavaskar Test series against India at Perth.

Despite picking five wickets in Adelaide, Starc received a good share of criticism from the experts following their 31-run loss. Mark Taylor labeled his effort ordinary, Allan Border and Damien Fleming questioned his action, while Mitchell Johnson lamented his body language.

In addition to, Mark Waugh, the former Australia T20I selectors, admitted that Mitchell Starc hasn’t been in his peak for a while.

“He hasn’t bowled at his best probably the last 12 months,” he told Big Sports Breakfast on Wednesday. “He’s just been a little bit off with his consistency and line and length. But he’s that sort of bowler who’s a bit of an enigma. He bowls some bad balls, and then he’ll bowl you a cracking delivery. I’d just love to see him be a bit more consistent with the new ball,” he added.

However, Mark Waugh backed the left-arm pacer to find his feet on a springy Perth Stadium pitch. He also added that the fast and bouncy Perth pitch would suit Starc.

“Perth’s really going to suit him,” Waugh said. “He’s going to bowl quick there and get a lot of bounce,” he continues.

But should Starc struggle, Waugh said selectors might take a difficult decision for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

“If he’s probably not up to scratch in Perth I think they might think about making some changes for the rest of the series,” Waugh concluded.