Mitchell Starc says he’s the right man to stay at No.9 in Australia’s batting order but the numbers suggest otherwise.

In fact the 23-year-old is gunning for two of Australia’s specialist batsmen — Phil Hughes (32.48) and Ed Cowan (33.96) — who both average only slightly better than nine-Test player Starc (32.44).

The big left-hander fell one shy of his maiden hundred on Saturday in the third Test against India in Mohali.

Starc admitted nerves got the better of him, playing and missing twice in one over to paceman Ishant Sharma before departing caught behind next ball.

Starc had started the day on 20 with Steve Smith on 58. He says his focus was simply on supporting No.5 batsman Smith’s bid to score his maiden century.

However Smith’s dismissal for 92 at 8-348 left Starc on 56 and with only spinners Nathan Lyon and Xavier Doherty for company.

Starc decided to hit out and surged to 99 including 14 boundaries before his push for a fairytale hundred fell over.

“Before I knew it I had quite a few runs to my name. Disappointed not to get a hundred but happy enough to get 99,” Starc said.

“Growing up as a kid I was a wicketkeeper, so I’d like to think I can hold a stick and be able to score a few runs if need be.

“Batting at nine you get a chance to score some runs but I’m not at all considering myself an allrounder just yet.

“To fall one short is disappointing and hopefully I can get another chance one day.

“I felt a bit nervous … when you get to 99.

“It’s something I can learn from.”

Starc said his score of three at No.8 in the first Test in Chennai last month is a reminder of why he should remain outside the top eight.

That’s despite the fact No.8 Peter Siddle’s career average is 14.34.

“I’m happy sitting behind Sidds because he’s done it for a long time and bats very well. All the quicks at the moment can hold a stick very well,” Starc said.