The Mitchell Starc question for Australia management

Starc struggled in the first Test match in Dubai, taking 1 for 90 in the first innings and bowling just six overs in the second, conceding 18 runs and not picking up a wicket.

The left-arm quick has been Australia's pace bowling spearhead for some time now, when not out with injuries, but that alone doesn't guarantee him a place in the side for the next Test, it appears.

Australia are facing a dilemma over whether they should risk playing Starc in difficult conditions in the next Test or preserve him for the upcoming home season, which features a big series against India. Following the home summer, there will also be two big assignments in England – the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and the Ashes.

"It's a good question. It's always managing those quicks," coach Justin Langer said. "Starcy bowled a lot of overs first innings, we certainly understand that and it's always the million dollar question: what do we do with the fast bowlers?

"Because if we've got our fast bowlers, particularly in Australia or going forward to England next year ... the top three is incredibly important to Australia being successful.

"We'll manage it. It's the start of the season and hopefully, we'll manage them well throughout the summer and this tour so far."

Australia's batsmen salvaged an awe-inspiring draw in the first Test, and the team will look to build on that come the second Test, starting Tuesday, 16 October.