Mitchell Starc is relishing the chance to spearhead Australia's pace attack.
But statistics suggest Starc could be even more potent when he bowls in tandem with fellow left-armer Mitchell Johnson during the World Cup.
Starc fired Australia to victory in Sunday's one-day international (ODI) against India in Melbourne, snaring career-best figures of 6-43.
No other Australian has captured six wickets in a home ODI.
Johnson is expected to return from a hamstring complaint well before the World Cup starts on February 14, however Starc has excelled in his absence.
"We all know our roles really well and whenever Mitch is around you know he's going to be bowling fast and very aggressively," Starc said after earning man-of-the-match honours at the MCG.
"We're all trying to pick up the slack and when he does come back into the side it's going to be great."
It may be particularly great for Starc.
He averages 17.92 with the ball when playing in the same ODI team as Johnson, and 23.57 without Johnson.
The difference would be even larger if not for the 10 wickets Starc claimed in the opening two games of the ongoing tri-series.
In both matches, Starc struck in his first and final over.
The 24-year-old's death bowling has earned widespread praise.
On Sunday he captured all five wickets as India slumped from 3-185 to 8-262 in 14 overs.
"It's not always going to be that you come in and take the wickets," Starc said.
"Sometimes you're going to lose games, but I enjoy the challenge and it's something I work really hard at."
Starc played down his own strong form, deflecting praise to the entire pace attack.
"It could be someone else in Hobart or Sydney, but I'm happy with the run at the moment," he said.
STARC'S ODI RECORD WITH JOHNSON
*36 wickets at an average of 17.92
STARC'S ODI RECORD WITHOUT JOHNSON
*23 wickets at an average of 23.57
STARC'S OVERALL ODI RECORD
*59 wickets at an average of 20.11
BEST ODI BOWLING FIGURES IN AUSTRALIA:
*6-42, Ajit Agarkar at MCG in 2004
*6-43, Mitchell Starc at MCG in 2015
*6-45, Chris Woakes at Gabba in 2011
*5-15, Greg Chappell at SCG in 1981
*5-15, Ravi Shastri at WACA in 1991
BEST ODI BOWLING FIGURES BY AN AUSTRALIAN:
*7-15, Glenn McGrath at Potchefstroom in 2003
*7-20, Andy Bichel at Port Elizabeth in 2003
*6-14, Gary Gilmour at Leeds in 1975
*6-31, Mitchell Johnson at Pallekele in 2011
*6-39, Ken MacLeay at Nottingham in 1983
*6-43, Mitchell Starc at MCG in 2015.
Share
