'Red hot' Starc insists Johnson still Oz's 'pace spearhead'

Fast bowler Mitchell Starc might have proven himself as the World Cup's most crucial bowler, but he doesn't believe that he is Australia's pace 'spearhead' yet and insists that Mitch Johnson is definitely the leader.

The left-arm paceman has dominated with the white-ball all summer but Starc is adamant namesake Johnson is still the undisputed leader of the one-day attack.

Starc stood up as man-of-the-series when Johnson took an extended break during the one-day tournament against England and India in January, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Starc has managed to go to another level again since Johnson returned on the giant stage of the World Cup. His six-wicket haul against New Zealand at Eden Park was nothing short of extraordinary, particularly compared to Johnson, who was carted for 68 runs off just six overs.

Having already dismantled New Zealand's batting line-up, Starc had two shots at taking the final wicket of New Zealand number 11 Trent Boult and securing an amazing victory for Australia. However, that didn't materialize.

When Michael Clarke decided to rest him and bring on Johnson, Starc asked for one more over from his captain.

However, Starc doesn't want to be called the spearhead. He claimed that Johnson is definitely the leader and he went to him for those last two balls as well because he's been a great leader for a long time and he's been in outstanding form for nearly two years now.

Starc said that Johnson is definitely their leader and the three or four young blokes in this World Cup squad are learning off him and added that the paceman is the bloke they go to.

Starc claimed that Johnson is that spearhead and they are just happy to back him up.