Michael Kasprowicz believes Mitchell Starc will be a crucial part of the World Cup plans

Even since he has made his comeback from injury, Mitchell Starc has struggled with his form. He is often very wayward and isn’t the same lethal force as he was earlier. This has caused a bit of concern in the Australian cricket circles with the World Cup 2019 approaching. However, the former cricketer Michael Kasprowicz still believes that the left-arm pacer will have a crucial role to play in the mega-event.

Kasprowicz, who featured in 38 Tests, 43 ODIs and 3 T20Is for the Aussies, believes that the five-time champions will enter the tournament as “underdogs”. He said that this tag is completely new for the Australian team. However, he believes that it will take the pressure off the team slightly.

It is about finding the right combinations for Australia

“It’s unusual for us to go into a World Cup with the tag of underdog,” Kasprowicz told the New Indian Express. “It’s a new group, a new coach. It’s a new label for the team. But that’ll take the pressure off of us.”

Michael Kasprowicz also said that he sees a lot of talent in Australia. However, he added that it was important to find the right combinations. He hoped that the return of David Warner and Steve Smith will bolster the Australian team.

“I still see a lot of talent in Australia, with the pace bowlers, all-rounders and batsmen. I think this has more to do with finding the right combination. Plus, you’ll have Warner and Smith back [after the ball-tampering bans]. They’re world-class batsmen, and they’ve just had a big break. Ideally, you’d want a lot more cricket before the World Cup begins, but we don’t live in an ideal world. Irrespective, form is just a ball or a wicket away,” the 46-year-old said.

Kasprowicz sure believes that Mitchell Starc will lead the bowling attack at the World Cup. He said that the pacer will be pivotal in the quadrennial tournament. He even praised the younger bowlers who have emerged onto the scene and did well.

“… Jhye (Richardson) and (Jason) Behrendorff have also come good. His form apart, Starc will still be the pace spearhead at the World Cup. He’s always an attacking bowler and a wicket-taker, and his skills are even more pronounced with the Kookaburra. One way of stopping teams from reaching huge totals is to keep effecting dismissals. Starc will be pivotal in that context,” Kasprowicz further opined.

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