Fit and firing: Mitchell Starc makes gorgeous return after damage layoff in build-up to World Cup

Mitchell Starc claims that he has not modified his plans in 13 years. The Australia speedster picked up from the place he left when he was sidelined because of a finger damage. His return reaffirmed he’s nonetheless a risk.

Delhi,UPDATED: Mar 21, 2023 08:10 IST

Mitchell Starc picked up his ninth ODI five-wicket haul. (Photo: AP)

By Priya Nagi: Mitchell Starc reaffirmed his place among the many most deadly new-ball bowlers on the earth. If there have been any considerations how his outing would unfold after an damage layoff, the Australia quick bowler’s devastating show in opposition to India put the doubts to relaxation.

The 33-year-old Starc picked up from the place he left, when he was sidelined from the Test aspect after Australia gained the Boxing Day Test in opposition to South Africa final yr. Starc, who may give any batter chills down his backbone, was out with a finger damage. His center finger of his (left) bowling hand was in a brace after he indifferent the tendon from the bone.

His first over after lacking three matches (third Test in opposition to South Africa and first two Tests in opposition to India) didn’t really feel like he was making a comeback within the whites. During the Indore Test, Starc may have gotten Rohit Sharma caught behind on the primary ball of the match if solely Australia had reviewed.

In the identical over, Starc once more missed an opportunity to take away Rohit as Australia remained cautious with their evaluations. Although Starc took just one wicket in that Test, the announcement was clear. He continues to be a risk! Starc, who possesses impeccable data in white-ball cricket, grew to become a headache for India as he took eight wickets, together with a five-wicket haul within the second match.

Before Starc, it was Ravindra Jadeja who confirmed the starvation for fulfillment is larger than any setback. Jadeja, too, was out of motion since September 2022, when he was dominated out mid-way via the Asia Cup because of a knee damage. He additionally missed the T20 World Cup because of knee surgical procedure.

By his personal admission, Jadeja revealed he spent hours working arduous on the National Cricket Academy to make a comeback. Jadeja’s efforts paid off as he took a five-wicket haul in his first worldwide match (Nagpur Test) after comeback. He completed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with 22 wickets.

Mitchell Starc celebrates his five-wicket haul in opposition to India. (Photo: AP)

NO CHANGE IN PLANS

Starc, on his half, said that he didn’t do something completely different. He claims that his plans haven’t modified for 13 years. “Bowl full, hit the stumps, try and swing it” – This is the mantra of Starc’s success as he picked up his ninth ODI five-wicket haul. He equaled Brett Lee and Shahid Afridi and is now solely behind Muthiah Muralidaran (10) and Waqar Younis (13).

“That’s been my role for a long time, to try and get wickets up front in the Powerplay. At times that means I’m probably more expensive, but I’m trying to bring in all modes of dismissal. So it’s certainly not a new game plan these last two games (against India),” Starc stated.

As Australia are making ready for the 50-over World Cup later this yr, they know Starc has the power to play a key function. He had topped the wickets chart in the course of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, returning with 27 wickets. He has additionally picked up the second most wickets (25) within the powerplay for the reason that 2019 World Cup. Starc shall be aiming to repeat his brilliance within the upcoming World Cup, however with the identical plans.

Published On:

Mar 21, 2023