Sunday, 9 December 2018:
 | | MITCHELL JOHNSON of Australia prepares to bowl during the 1st Investec Ashes Test match in Cardiff, United Kingdom. | |
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Australian paceman Mitchell Starc has been roasted for lacking fire by former quick Mitchell Johnson but spinner Nathan Lyon insists the spearhead's form is no concern.
Starc was ineffective for Australia early on day four of the first Test against India at Adelaide Oval.
The fast bowler rarely hit top speed in his initial four-over spell on Sunday which Johnson said lacked intent.
"I just don't like his body language," Johnson said in commentary for ABC radio.
"He hasn't given a bit of a glare or puffed his chest out with a good follow through, let the batsman know he's in the contest, that he's going to rip the pegs out."
Starc was spelled with respectable figures at the time of 1-25 from 14 overs but he failed to trouble India's batsmen.
Brought back into the attack to take the second new ball, Starc was banished from the attack after two wayward overs.
That spell cost nine runs but he was also responsible for eight extras with a leg-side wide going for four, and a repeat down the leg side going for four byes when wicketkeeper Tim Paine was lucky to get fingertips to the ball.
Starc later dismissed Ravichandran Ashwin and tailender Ishant Sharma to finish with figures of 3-40.
"I think Mitch is going okay, to be honest," Lyon said after play.
"If you want to come and face him in the nets, feel free.
"His prep's been unbelievable. I know he's probably a bit sore and tired but that happens in Test cricket when you have to bowl a lot of overs.
"He's got my full support, he's got the whole change room and he's one of the best bowlers in the world."
Starc also struggled on Saturday when he didn't bowl for more than two hours but the Australian camp rejected any suggestions of an injury.
The left-armer took 2-63 from 19 overs in India's first innings and, at the end of day one, detailed tweaks to his bowling action after recent injuries.
"I have been trying a few different things ... over the last little while that have worked for little periods," Starc said after Thursday's play.
