Starc hails Johnson as 'inspiration' for Oz's young fast bowlers on 'comeback track'

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has hailed pace sensation Mitchell Johnson as an inspiration for him and a battalion of other young fast bowlers on the comeback track, who are preparing themselves to try and muscle their way into the pace attack of the national team.

Starc, Pat Cummins, Jackson Bird and James Pattinson - a member of the Australian team that has defeated England in the one-day series - are all preparing hard to push their pace cases for consideration in the top attack.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Johnson, who won the Allan Border Medal as Australia's best cricketer last year after he fought back from injury and a form slump, proved to the likes of left-armer Starc that it was also possible to rebuild a career through the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other Twenty20 opportunities

Stating that it is great to look up to fellow left-armer Johnson, Starc said that Johnson is one of the players who is always happy to talk to the younger bowlers and share ideas, adding that Johnson is much different off the field to the aggressive bowler with the ball.

Starc also said he viewed his selection in the national T20 squad, and hopefully selection to play in the next IPL series, as a foothold as he tries to reclaim his place in the Australian system, adding that his immediate priority was to get out and bowl because before being laid low, he performed best when he was able to perform regularly.