Cricket: Starc will be a spark in tests - Johnson

Mitchell Starc of Australia will be included in the test squad for the tour of the West Indies. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Mitchell Johnson senses it's only a matter of time before Mitchell Starc starts to dominate test cricket.

Johnson would know, having grabbed the Ashes and title of ICC cricketer of the year after lording it over England's batsmen in 2013-14.

It would be only natural for Starc to have previously had a little self-doubt with the red ball in hand, given he was dropped 11 times in a career spanning 15 tests.

But having been crowned player of the World Cup after snaring 22 wickets at an average of 10.18, that's unlikely to be an issue now.

"I know what it was like when I first started, you're trying to find your rhythm and trying to find your place," Johnson said of his fellow left-armer.

"I don't think it's far away.

"He was criticised through that test series last year and he's really stood up. I'm really proud of him."

Starc will be included in the test squad for the tour of the West Indies, and then he will be in line for the Ashes attack.

The self-effacing young gun played down his World Cup feats.

"I've still got a lot of work to do with white and red ball."

Captain Michael Clarke suggested Starc's express pace, accuracy and swing meant he would be a handful in any form of the game.

"If he keeps bowling the way he's bowled it doesn't matter what format he plays, he's going to have success," Clarke said, adding that Starc was a deserving winner of man of the series.

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- AAP