'It's Not A Fluke...,' Starc On England Ahead Of The Ashes 2023

image-liswk6adMitchell Starc [Image- Twitter]

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has said that the Pat Cummins-led unit will be looking to further enhance their legacy by winning the Ashes in the UK following their WTC triumph in India this week.

Australia were crowned World Test Champions on Sunday following their commanding win over the N0.1 ranked team, India at the Oval, and their focus has now shifted towards the all-important Ashes series, which starts in Birmingham from June 16.

Australia have held the urn since 2017, and even though they were able to retain it in the UK in 2019, they are yet to win a Test series in the country since 2001.

"We haven’t used the word ‘legacy’, but we’re an experienced group, have been together for a fair bit of time, had a good bit of success, and this is definitely something we’d love to achieve. Especially having missed out here last time [in 2019] when we drew that series. We want to go one step further, to win an Ashes in England would be a major milestone."

Starc also heaped high praise on England's revolution as a Test team under Stokes & McCullum, but also questioned if the home sides' ultra-aggressive approach will work if the conditions are bowler-friendly.

"The way England have gone about their cricket in the last 12 months, it’s not a fluke. They’ve done it against different teams in different conditions. They’re challenging the norms of Test cricket, certainly in the pace of play. For all the hype from outside, I still think it’s going to be based on conditions."

"If we have traditional English pitches, which nip around, and if the overhead conditions play a part, will they still be so aggressive with the Ashes on the line? The way they’re talking suggests yes, but whether we see it in practice will be another thing."

Starc, meanwhile, had a poor outing in the WTC final as he failed to give control. He will be looking to make amends against his favourite opposition, England, in the 1st Test, which will take place at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground later this week.