AUCKLAND: Mitchell Starc has no desire to be stood down for Wednesday’s World Cup clash against Afghanistan in Perth after his six-wicket blitz just failed to nudge the four-time champions past New Zealand.

With Australia expected to sweep past Afghanistan, there has been talk they might ‘keep their power dry’ by resting Starc ahead of the sterner challenge set to be provided by Sri Lanka in Sydney a week on Sunday in a match that could have a key bearing on the quarter-final line-up.

But Starc, who took six for 28 in Australia’s nail-biting one-wicket loss to New Zealand at Eden Park on Saturday, wants to keep charging in against Afghanis­tan on a WACA pitch which traditionally favours fast bowlers.

“We’ll see how everyone pulls up, we’ve got a training session or two before our next game so our focus is on Wednesday and winning that game,” said Starc on Sunday. “I’m always happy to play cricket. You never want to rest. It’s about making sure our recoveries as a squad [are OK]. We’ve got two long flights.”

Meanwhile, Starc backed Australia spearhead Mitchell Johnson to bounce back despite his fellow left-arm paceman being carted for none for 68 in six overs by the Black Caps.

“I went to him for those last two balls as well, because he’s been a great leader for a long time,” Starc said.

Published in Dawn, March 2nd, 2015

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