Former national selector Mark Waugh on Wednesday became the latest ex-Australian star to suggest Starc could be stripped of new-ball duties ahead of the second Test in Canberra.

It followed Brett Lee and Shane Warne's recent calls for Pat Cummins to replace the 29-year-old as an opening bowler.

When asked about Starc's woes, bowling coach and former Sri Lanka quick Rumesh Ratnayake cheekily replied: "If the Aussies don't want Mitchell Starc, we can have him."

Starc, who has 201 wickets from his 50 Tests, endured a difficult series against India and his lean spell continued in Australia's rout of Sri Lanka at the Gabba with match figures of 2-98.

But Ratnayake says the Sri Lanka are wary of it all clicking for Starc soon.

"It's just that Mitchell Starc hasn't been getting wickets but he's been hitting 148-149 (km/h) and I'd be surprised if he's out.

"He hasn't been bowling to the best that I've seen of him in the recent past but who knows when it will be his day?"

While Australia's only bowling concern is with Starc's downturn, things are more complicated in the Sri Lankan camp.

Opening bowler Lahiru Kumara and fellow quick Dushmantha Chameera have both flown home with injuries following the heavy loss in Brisbane.

The uncapped Chamika Karunaratne has joined the squad as cover for Kumara but is unlikely to play.

Pace bowler Kasun Rajitha could add to his three Tests while left-armer Vishwa Fernando might also be in contention for a third Test cap.

Australian Associated Press