Since the start of the current cricket season, one name has been in the headlines: Mitchell Starc. The left-arm pacer, who has long been a vital part of Australia’s bowling attack, has made a blistering start, which has thrilled both fans and commentators.
With standout performances in early fixtures, Starc’s form has become the talk of the cricketing world, hinting at what could be a season to remember.
There are always rumors flying around about Mitchell Starc. In Australian cricket, Starc is a focal point for strong opinions. However, rumors that began circulating earlier this summer have generated a lot of excitement. A few weeks earlier, his seven wickets in the off-Broadway Sheffield Shield at the MCG caused a stir in the Victoria and New South Wales dressing rooms.
Sean Abbott quoted that since Starc was bowling so fast, he was trying to avoid getting caught at slip. With five Test centuries, Victoria coach Chris Rogers made a momentary joke about returning to Test cricket after David Warner, before he said that seeing Starc bowl made him reconsider the comment.
Consistency and Firepower: Starc’s Standout Performance
Mitchell Starc’s explosive start to the season has not only reminded fans of his capability but has also showcased his commitment to remaining one of the premier fast bowlers in international cricket.
In the opening matches, Starc has been on point, delivering with consistency and firepower that has left opponents scrambling. His first few overs, typically laden with pace and swing, have set the tone, often breaking through the defenses of top-order batsmen and sending stumps cartwheeling.
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In a standout performance against a major opposition, Starc ripped through the batting line-up with an impressive five-wicket haul, claiming key scalps with his signature in-swinging yorkers.
This early form has revived memories of his peak, recalling his 2015 World Cup heroics when he emerged as the tournament’s leading wickettaker. Fans and analysts alike have lauded Starc’s renewed vigor, noting a sharpness and accuracy that suggest he’s back to his devastating best.
Starc’s Resurgence: A Fiery Return to Form
On the first day of the Australian men’s home summer, whispers turned into roars. Starc performed brilliantly on another fast and lively MCG pitch. Including three maidens, he took 3 for 33 off 10 against Pakistan. At the same ground in 2016, he had last scored three maidens in an ODI.
He dismissed both the openers. He illuminated the stumps of a tailender. This was the pinnacle of Starc’s abilities. “I think it’s always good to get some rhythm early in the summer,” Starc said after his player-of-the-match award.
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With a few niggles and a few illnesses in the group, he probably didn’t have that rhythm during the UK tour. Despite a serious physical condition that he never spoke about, Starc managed to play 10 out of 11 matches in the ODI World Cup and also contributed in the semi-final and final, but twelve months ago he only limped to the starting line-up.
Compared to last year, when his preparations were badly affected due to his physical problem, the big training session held at the MCG on Saturday showed how much better he is feeling.
Starc to Play Adelaide ODI, Perth Trip Uncertain
Starc made it clear that he would play in the next ODI in Adelaide on Friday but refused to comment when asked if he would go to Perth. Josh Hazlewood, who played for New South Wales in the Shield game in Sydney that ended on Monday, will be included in the squad for the second match against Pakistan.
Cummins and Starc will likely skip the trip to Perth and travel there on Sunday to prepare for the first Test against India. In due course, a decision will be taken on Hazlewood’s participation in the two matches to be played in Adelaide and Perth over three days.
“I’m looking forward to playing in Adelaide, and then we’ll go from there,” Starc said. “It’s an opportunity to play golf and prepare for Friday, because there’s only a few days between this and Adelaide. In Perth, Friday and Sunday are two different stories.”
Team Impact: A Catalyst for Australia’s Success
Starc’s impressive form has not only elevated his individual standing but has also had a significant impact on the Australian team’s performance. In every match he’s excelled in, Australia has gained an upper hand in the early stages, often dismantling the opposition’s top order.
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His aggressive opening spells have allowed other bowlers, like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, to attack with the confidence that comes from early breakthroughs. Australia’s dominance in the opening fixtures has seen them establish themselves as one of the teams to beat this season, and Starc’s role has been crucial in setting this tone.
With the World Test Championship (WTC) and key limited-overs series looming, Starc’s form has ignited a sense of optimism in the Australian camp as they seek to reclaim their spot as the top cricketing nation across all formats.
Fans and Experts Weigh In
Fans have been quick to express their excitement over Starc’s blistering start. Social media platforms have been flooded with praise for his fast and fiery spells, with many noting that he seems more confident and aggressive than in previous seasons.
The hashtag #StarcOnFire has been trending, as fans eagerly anticipate what the rest of the season will bring. Cricket experts have also voiced their opinions, with past Australian greats praising Starc’s exploits. Former outspoken critic Shane Warne said, “Starc is the best I’ve seen in many years—fast, accurate, and ruthless.” If he continues to play like this, he will be a game changer for Australia.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting cited the emphasis on consistency as a major factor in Starc’s comeback, saying the fast bowler has evolved into a more calculating bowler. International commentators have not been far behind, with the likes of Michael Vaughan praising Starc’s return to form.
“When Starc is at his best, he’s unplayable,” said Vaughan. “He’s one of the few bowlers who can single-handedly change the course of a game within a few overs.”
Source Link: https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/aus-vs-pak-mitchell-starc-s-early-season-form-is-getting-people-talking-1458381