Mitchell Starc believes that Australia’s bowling strength lies in its versatility, claiming that their well-rounded Test attack is primed to succeed in all sorts of conditions.

“We’ve got a couple of a bit more aggressive guys, a couple of holders there that build pressure and take wickets that way and a couple of guys that are probably a hybrid of both.”

“We’re quite a well-rounded attack and then you throw in Nathan Lyon, who just knows how to get it done in all conditions.”

A testament to the side’s bowling depth has been their record over the last two years, with three out of the ten most successful Test bowlers being Australian, and Lyon leading the pack with 105 scalps in 20 games.

“We’re prepared for all conditions whether it be flat, green, seaming, swinging, slow, fast. Again, it’s exciting to have everyone up and firing and plenty to choose from.”

The plethora of bowling options has meant that Australia are currently spoilt for choice; for the first Ashes Test, they played a three-pronged pace attack in Pat Cummins, James Pattinson and Peter Siddle, leaving out Josh Hazlewood and Starc, the leading wicket-taker in the 2019 World Cup.

The 29-year-old, however, is content with playing the waiting game, insisting that the primary motive of the side is to retain the Ashes.

“We’re here to win the Ashes. We’re not just here to make it on the park. We want to win this Ashes. Whether that’s a different bowling attack each game, or the same through five Test matches, it’s pretty exciting.”

“To see your mates work it back and pull on the Baggy Green again and perform so well in the Test match, that’s exciting for us. It makes Josh [Hazlewood] and I have to work that bit harder to try and make it back as well, which I think you want from a whole squad.”