Australia head coach Justin Langer has thrown his support behind under-fire Mitchell Starc following his display in the first Test against Sri Lanka.

Starc’s disappointing Australian summer with the ball continued despite his side’s win by an innings and 40 runs against the Sri Lankans.

The left-armed pacer picked up two wickets in the first innings before going wicketless in the second at the Gabba. Starc had been off-colour in the recent series loss to India as well where he picked up 13 wickets in the four Tests at an average of nearly 35.

Ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Canberra, Langer has backed Starc despite his average returns of late.

“There’s a lot of talk about Mitchell Starc but in a game like this when you’ve got a guy like Jhye Richardson, Pat Cummins bowling fast outswingers, good bouncers, to have that left-arm option is vital,” Langer was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

Starc has endured a poor summer by his standards.

“He just got his 200th Test wicket remember, so 200 Test wickets, that’s rare company.

“I suppose there’s high expectation on him but he’s a very good player and is really important for our team.”

Australia have added all-rounder Marcus Stoinis to the squad ahead of the second Test but Langer has admitted that the hosts could field an unchanged XI at Canberra.

“I’d be surprised if we changed the eleven,” he stated.

“It’s always nice to go with the same eleven back-to-back, and without putting any words in the other selectors’ mouths at the moment, it would be nice to keep some continuity.”

The second and final Test between the two sides at the Manuka Oval gets underway on February 1.