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Scott Bailey

Pitch perfect for Starc's 300 push

Mitchell Starc needs 13 more Test wickets to reach 300 for Australia. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Mitchell Starc is relishing a potential dream start to the summer's Test schedule on pace-friendly pitches and become the seventh Australian to reach 300 wickets.

Starc is 13 wickets away from the magical 300 mark, and has every chance to reach the figure in the two-Test Frank Worrell Trophy series starting on Wednesday in Perth.

In doing so, he can join an illustrious list of Dennis Lillee, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Lyon by reaching the milestone.

The left-armer's threat level is also underlined by his current wicket-taking rate: Starc's strike-rate of a wicket every 49.9 balls would be the best of any Australian to reach 300.

And it's likely that conditions will be in his favour over the next fortnight against West Indies.

The Optus Stadium wicket was arguably the most lively and bouncy through the recent Twenty20 World Cup, with slips fielders regularly back on the edge of the 30-yard circle.

Starc has taken 14 wickets at the ground in two Tests, against New Zealand and India, at an average of 15.85.

"It's one thing hearing it (will be a bouncy wicket), it's another seeing it," Starc said.

"I think it's still a very good wicket. You are rewarded for good shots and likewise good bowling.

"Obviously one was a pink-ball game against New Zealand, but if you look at the India Test here, it was a very good wicket for three days.

"Good bowling was rewarded. And then as the Test wore on the cracks got bigger. I think it was quite platey, played a lot more tricks and the fourth innings was very difficult.

"So a very good bat-versus-ball wicket."

After Perth comes Adelaide, where Starc is regularly at his best with the pink ball.

The 32-year-old continues to lead the wicket-taking lists in day-night Tests, with 75 at 18.41 and three separate five-wicket hauls.

"I think that's the best place to play cricket in the country," Starc said.

"It has been for a long time. The pink ball creates a different atmosphere and different feel.

"Optus is probably a close second (to Adelaide). They are two very good cricket wickets.

"We've seen some very good contests between bat and ball. "

Australia have not played a Test since they drew 1-1 with Sri Lanka in Galle in early July, with 22 white-ball fixtures having followed since.

But Starc was adamant that the 50-over games against England means the quicks were able to time their run perfectly into the first Test.

"There have been plenty of plans put in place with workloads. We had the three one-dayers to adjust with more overs than T20 cricket," Starc said.

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