The left-arm seamer took a lead role in the pace attack in the absence of Cummins and Hazlewood
In the absence of Cummins, who was a close contact of a Covid-positive person the night before the game, and Josh Hazlewood because of a side strain, Starc took a lead role in a pace attack that also featured debutant Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson in his third Test and Cameron Green in his sixth.
However, Starc’s role in the second innings was still significant as he removed Joe Root with what became the final ball of the fourth day – the fact England still managed to take the game as deep as they did reinforce the value of that incision – and he claimed Ollie Pope early on the final morning.
“I think that’s the best I’ve seen him bowl in a while,” Smith said. “He summed up the conditions really well, he realised it wasn’t swinging and was just able to hit a really nice line and length and did it all game. Thought he bowled exceptionally well and led the attack.
“To have got [Root] out last night was huge for us; he was obviously in a fair amount of pain, but I won’t take anything away from how Starcy bowled either. He set him up really nicely, came round the wicket because he was leaving him pretty well.”
“He’s a class bowler; he has been for a long time,” Smith said. “His strike rate is up there with some of the best who have played Test cricket. I just really liked the way he went about his business this week. He took complete control, he was bowling such beautiful line and length, taking the ball across the right-hander and bowling really nicely to lefties. He did a terrific job and created chances throughout the whole match, just continued his pink-ball form.”
“It’s been an enjoyable week leading the team in Pat’s absence and carrying on what we started at the Gabba,” Smith said. “It brought back some old memories, I guess, I had fun out there. It’s Patty’s team and I’m the vice-captain and I’ll help Patrick in any way I can. That’s my job, and I’ll continue to hopefully lead with the bat.”
Andrew McGlashan is a deputy editor at ESPNcricinfo