Australian quick Mitchell Starc recently celebrated a monumental double milestone, taking his 400th Test wicket in his 100th Test match. His signature inswinging delivery, known for its devastating speed and curve, proved once again why it’s a hallmark of modern cricket, dismantling the West Indies lineup with ease.
The Signature Inswinger
Starc’s inswinging “bazookas” are deceptively simple: fast, curving, and designed to hit the stumps or pad. There’s no secret to what batsmen will face, especially with a new ball in swinging conditions. Yet, many still find themselves utterly embarrassed, watching the pacer’s celebrating run past them.
This delivery has become iconic. Starc has dismissed 23 batsmen in the very first over of a Test, a testament to its effectiveness. It stands out in contemporary cricket, unmatched in consistency by similar attempts from other bowlers.
From “Softie” to Leader
Starc’s journey to becoming a fearsome fast bowler wasn’t without its challenges. Back in 2014, cricket legend Shane Warne famously called him “too soft,” a criticism that resonated with the Australian management at the time, leading to Starc being dropped. Then-bowling coach Craig McDermott echoed this, noting a lack of “presence.”
A pivotal moment came during an IPL stint in Dubai. South African fast-bowling great Allan Donald, then a coach, approached Starc. Donald believed Starc had the potential to be a leader, not just a fast bowler. He sought to understand if Starc truly desired that role.
Embracing the “Mongrel” Mentality
Donald defines leadership in fast bowling as more than just speed. It involves intense work ethic, hunger, a desire for greatness, ruthlessness, and the ability to set an example. It’s about being a “mongrel of sorts” on the field.
Starc, known off-field as a “wonderful human being” and a “softie” (as described by teammates like Glenn Maxwell and Virat Kohli), looked at Donald and committed: “Yes, I would love to do that.” This marked a turning point in his mindset and approach to the game.
Interestingly, Starc’s personal life is as endearing as his bowling is menacing. He met his future wife, Alyssa Healy, when they were both nine, competing in the same wicketkeeping academy. A true rom-com story for a man known for his raw pace.
Mastering the Craft
Starc’s natural action, honed from an early age after being encouraged to abandon wicketkeeping, is fluid and rhythmic. Unlike some bowlers with unconventional run-ups, Starc’s appears perfectly synced, leading to a seemingly inevitable, explosive delivery.
Legendary Pakistani swing bowler Wasim Akram once advised Starc to “snap the wrist at release” for more swing, a tip that added extra venom to his already potent arsenal. Donald, who also studied Akram’s technique, encouraged Starc to observe the master himself, helping Starc better control the art of reverse swing.
The Controlled Aggression
After his chat with Donald, Starc’s transformation deepened. He sometimes veered into over-aggression, throwing balls back at batsmen, leading to Steve Smith publicly correcting him. But he course-corrected, channeling his intensity more productively.
Donald observed that Starc started bowling more bouncers and didn’t hesitate to deliver full, new-ball yorkers – a rare trait among fast bowlers. This varied attack, combined with his ability to reverse swing from various angles, makes him a threat with both new and old balls.
Pat Cummins recently praised Starc’s “attitude,” a quality Donald also champions. “You can’t coach a guy to be a leader if he doesn’t want to,” Donald stated. Starc’s desire to be a “man all the time,” to “walk through the wall for his team,” makes him “very, very special.”
- Mitchell Starc achieved 400 Test wickets in his 100th Test match.
- His signature inswinging delivery is considered a landmark in modern cricket.
- Starc transformed from being called “too soft” to embracing a “mongrel” attitude on the field.
- This change was significantly influenced by a pivotal conversation with former fast bowler Allan Donald.
- Starc refined his bowling through advice from legends like Wasim Akram and structured guidance from Donald.
Starc’s journey is a compelling narrative of a “softie” evolving into a “heavy-metal classical” left-arm swing bowler, embodying both raw power and refined skill on the pitch.
