Pretty comfortable with my relationship with Langer: Starc

There was a lot of hopes pinned on the Australian team, to lift the T20 World Cup on home soil. But the dominant curse, ensured that the 2021 T20 World Cup champions were eliminated in the group stage of the competition. 

However, Australia have quickly moved past the bitter defeat, with a 3-0 win over the powerhouse, England. But now in front of them lies a different test, a red-ball one against the West Indies. Mitchell Starc, ahead of the clash asked the crowd to turn up in numbers, with Test cricket returning to Optus Stadium after a long time. 

"Always had great crowds in Perth," Starc said on Saturday. "There's been a lot of talk about not having Test cricket over here for a long time. Hopefully the public can support that. Show us what Test cricket means to them."

Over the last few days, Justin Langer has hit out in the media, stating that all is well with him and the current team. Starc added to that, saying that the left-arm pacer is very comfortable with his relationship with the former coach. 

"I have a pretty good relationship with Langer. We exchanged text messages post the (T20) World Cup. I'm pretty comfortable with my relationship with JL,” he added. 

"Was mentioned that there could be some noise around it obviously being in the west and with JL having a commentary spot. We're comfortable...spend a lot of time together as a three format group. It's all preparation for this Test match. Not too much is going to distract us. I'm sure we'll see (Langer) at the ground and throughout the summer."

Ahead of the Test series, Starc gave a quick glimpse on what to expect from the conditions, stating that in Perth, both good shots and good bowling will be rewarded. Yet at the same time, Starc was insistent that the batter needs to be careful in the fourth innings, with the cracks. 

"(Adelaide and Perth are going to be) good contests between bat and ball. (In Perth) you're rewarded for good shots and likewise rewarded for good bowling. The India Test (in 2018) was a very good wicket for three days and as the Test wore on, the cracks got bigger...played a lot of tricks in the fourth innings. A very good bat versus ball wicket that presented challenges for both."

While West Indies are not in the best of forms, the left-arm pacer clearly opined that the Australian team will not take anyone lightly. 

"Definitely not taking any teams lightly. We know what the West Indies can serve up at their best. It's a good chance to kick-start our summer of Test cricket and hopefully some exciting cricket will be played."