“Do I think the [Australian] side of 2013-14 man for man was a better side? Yes, probably still. I don’t think individually they are better than any other team since 2010-11, but they’ve been relentless in the pressure they’ve managed to put on England, as have every Australian team since 2010.
“England losing 3-0 by the third Test is not something new. I don’t disagree with my comment. England have been at 20 per cent of their ability.”
Starc, the leading wicket taker in the series with 22 scalps at an average of 17, said he had no desire to rest for the matches in Melbourne or Sydney.
“I want more,” he said. “The next game starts in four days. I feel good and ready to go. My average speed was better than anyone [in Adelaide], so [I am] good to go.
“I plan every summer to play every game. So for me, that’s not changing.”
Australia have already registered two Ashes whitewashes this century, in 2006-07 and 2013-14.
“Fantastic to be where we’re standing, [but] the job’s not done,” Starc said.
Mitchell Starc celebrates after dismissing Will Jacks on day five in Adelaide.Credit: Getty Images
“With a lot being made outside the group – and whilst we don’t pay too much attention to it – things get heard and sent around. There’ll be a lot of pleasure being in the situation we are.
“[There was] lots of hype … probably for longer than I can remember heading into an Ashes series. Really thrilled with how these three weeks went. They certainly made us work for it … but those ones are almost more special.”
Australia will be without Nathan Lyon in Melbourne and Sydney due to a hamstring injury, and there is every chance Cummins is rested for the remainder of the series after his “aggressive” return from a back injury.
Starc said Lyon, 38, still had a bright Test future despite hobbling off on day five in Adelaide.
“Really unfortunate for him,” Starc said. “I’m sure it’s a tough one to take. He contributed a lot to this Test match. He’s helped us get to this victory. I think he’s still got the hunger to give more to Australia. That’s all for him to think through. Hopefully it’s not a huge lay-off.”
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Meanwhile, Starc called on the International Cricket Council to fund DRS technology after confusion about the availability of Hot Spot following a number of controversial decisions in Adelaide.
Players expressed frustration at the inconsistency in different technologies used across different series.
“I’m sure it’s frustrating for everyone, viewers, officials, broadcasters,” Starc said. “I can only speak for myself here. The officials use it, right? Why doesn’t the ICC pay for it? Why is it not just one across the board? Why don’t we use the same technology in all different series? That’s going to perhaps create less confusion and less frustration.”
