Starc still wants wickets despite new role

Fast bowler Mitchell Starc says his job is still to take wickets even though he has a new role and is not taking the new ball for Australia in the T20 World Cup.

Starc claimed 2-43 in the 42-run win over Ireland at the Gabba which included a double wicket maiden in his first over at the end of the power play.

His task has changed from previous tournaments where he opened the bowling and then finished his overs at the death.

Now he mostly bowls three overs in the middle of the innings, including sometimes one at the end of the of the power play, before one at the end.

"I don't think the role changes in terms of trying to take wickets," Starc said.

"It is just through a different sequencing of how the matchups are seen through the powerplay and through the middle where the lengths have to change.

"I still feel like the role is to take wickets, just at different times and through different partnerships."

Starc said his new role began in the T20 international against England in Canberra prior to the World Cup on instruction from captain Aaron Finch and coach Andrew McDonald.

"They want me to play through the middle with (Adam) Zampa. Obviously we have Josh (Hazlewood) and Pat (Cummins) who are fantastic across formats with the new ball as well," he said.

"I am someone who bowls a bit fuller than Pat and Josh and that's probably a result of looking for swing in that first over or two.

"With the ball not swinging at the back end of the power play you have to adjust with the conditions. At the Gabba there is more bounce and pace…whereas somewhere like an SCG it is not that same length. Through the middle the role is still trying to be aggressive and take wickets."

If Australia qualify for the semi-finals and play again at the SCG they will learn from their heavy loss to New Zealand at the start of the tournament where the Kiwi batsmen came after them early.

"The SCG is a deader, slower wicket and somewhere where you bowl more variations," Starc said.

"There is a semi-final there and if we do play there then there are lessons to learn from that first fixture.

"New Zealand are on our side of the draw so if we both get through we won't play them until the final on (the MCG). Melbourne the last 12 to 18 months has been a bit nippy and pretty good for bowlers."

Australia play Afghanistan on Friday in Adelaide in their final round game. They are now on five points in Group One, two ahead of England, who play group leaders New Zealand at the Gabba on Tuesday.

Australia have a poorer net run rate (-0.304) compared to England (0.239). 

If England beat the Black Caps Australia will need to get well ahead on NRR via the Afghanistan match as England have the advantage of closing out the group, against Sri Lanka at Sydney on Saturday.