Mitchell Starc’s journey to becoming one of cricket’s all-time great fast bowlers was evident early on, highlighted by a pivotal spell against Sachin Tendulkar in 2012, according to former Australia captain Ricky Ponting.
Starc’s Landmark Achievement
Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc recently celebrated his 100th Test match in incredible fashion. He delivered a career-best performance, taking otherworldly figures of 6/9 against West Indies.
This dominant spell in Jamaica helped reduce the West Indies to just 27 all out, marking their second-lowest score in Test history. It was a fitting milestone for a bowler who has consistently terrorized batsmen throughout his career.
A Growing Legacy
Sixteen years after his First-Class debut, Starc has firmly cemented his place among cricket’s fast-bowling elite. Ricky Ponting, who witnessed Starc’s early career, believes he has only “gotten better and better” with age.
The 35-year-old bowler also secured a heap of individual records during his recent outings. He became the second-fastest player to reach 400 Test wickets and further extended his record for most new-ball wickets, with 23 scalps in the first over since his Test debut.
Ponting on Starc’s Evolution
Speaking on the ICC Review podcast, Ponting praised Starc’s continuous development. “Skill-wise and mentally, I think he understands his body, understands his game probably better than ever, especially the last couple of years,” Ponting observed.
Ponting highlighted Starc’s technical improvements over time. He noted that Starc has incorporated new skills like the “three-quarters seam” and “wobble seam” deliveries. These additions have made his inswing more potent and provided crucial variation to his bowling attack.
The Tendulkar Moment: A Glimpse of Greatness
For Ponting, a defining moment that showcased Starc’s immense potential came during a fiery spell in the 2012 WACA Test in Perth. Starc, then playing only his third Test and his first against India, was bowling to batting legend Sachin Tendulkar.
Ponting vividly recalled the encounter. Starc bowled a short delivery that “got up under Sachin’s armpit,” a ball that even Tendulkar, known for his masterful technique, could only nudge awkwardly into short leg. This unusual discomfort from such a master batsman was a revelation.
“When you could see that sort of pace and bounce and have someone like Sachin not be able to cope with it, I think that was the reassurance for all of us that there was probably something extra special there for Mitchell Starc,” Ponting explained.
Starc ultimately dismissed Tendulkar leg-before-wicket for just 8 runs in that innings, contributing significantly to Australia’s victory by an innings and 37 runs.
Continuing to Dominate
Starc’s menacing form continues to be on full display, proving his sustained impact. His recent exploits in the Caribbean saw him register the fastest Test five-wicket haul by a bowler in history, achieving the feat in just 19 deliveries.
Key Takeaways from Starc’s Journey
- Mitchell Starc recently played his 100th Test, achieving career-best figures and significant new records.
- Ricky Ponting believes Starc has continuously improved, adding new variations to his bowling over time.
- A 2012 spell where Starc troubled Sachin Tendulkar with raw pace and bounce solidified Ponting’s belief in his potential.
- Starc holds records for being the second-fastest to 400 Test wickets and the fastest to a five-wicket haul in Tests.
From troubling the greatest batsmen to setting new records, Mitchell Starc’s career exemplifies sustained excellence in fast bowling.
