Calcutta: Mitchell Starc has said he has started to develop the strength and resilience, required for a fast bowler to back up constantly after bowling long spells at a stretch.

Starc, who will turn 22 on January 30, is confident about his fitness after suffering from a series of injuries last summer.

“I’ve said a lot through the year (that) my body’s starting to become accustomed to bowling a lot of overs,” Starc was quoted as saying by The Sydney Morning Herald.

“It can come back to pre-season as well and how much work you’re putting in there. For me, I can’t speak on anyone else’s behalf but getting preparation in my body to bowl lots of overs — starting in March right through the off-season — has been good for my preparation coming into the season and hardened my body to cope with the rigours of first-class cricket.”

The nature of Adelaide Oval’s pitch will be a major factor for Australian selectors to decide whether they need to rest either Peter Siddle or Ben Hilfenhaus.

Starc said his improved fitness came after working closely with state and national conditioning staff.