Mitchell Starc holds immense importance for the Australian Test cricket team, often single-handedly changing the course of a game and momentum. As a fast bowler, Starc possesses exceptional skills and the ability to deliver match-winning performances. His raw pace, coupled with his ability to generate swing and extract bounce from any surface, makes him a potent weapon in Australia’s bowling attack.
Starc’s ability to take wickets at crucial moments and break partnerships has repeatedly proven instrumental in shifting the momentum in favor of Australia. His lethal Yorkers and well-disguised variations keep batsmen on their toes and make him a constant threat. Furthermore, Starc’s remarkable consistency and ability to perform under pressure have solidified his position as one of the most feared bowlers in Test cricket. In today’s article, we will discuss his top three performances in Test cricket.
3. 8/73 VS South Africa in Perth (2016)
Mitchell Starc’s match-winning performance against South Africa in the Perth Test of 2016 will forever be etched in cricketing history. In a remarkable display of fast bowling, Starc wreaked havoc on the Proteas’ batting lineup. His extraordinary figures of 8/73 in the first inning, including a hat-trick, showcased his immense skill and dominance.
Starc’s blistering pace, combined with his ability to generate swing and maintain pinpoint accuracy, proved to be a nightmare for the South African batsmen. His hostile spells created constant trouble and uncertainty, leading to wickets falling in quick succession. With his exceptional performance, Starc played a pivotal role in Australia’s victory, as they emerged triumphant by a commanding margin of 177 runs. His relentless aggression and ability to consistently dismantle the opposition’s batting lineup turned the game in Australia’s favour.
2. 6/50 VS England in Brisbane (2017)
In the highly anticipated opening Ashes Test in 2017 at the Gabba, Mitchell Starc delivered a match-winning performance with his scintillating display of fast bowling against England. His exceptional skills dismantled the English batting order, leaving them struggling to cope. Starc finished the inning with remarkable figures of 6/50, exploiting the bounce and movement at the Gabba to his advantage.
Starc’s outstanding performance played a crucial role in Australia’s convincing 10-wicket victory in the match. His contributions to dismantling the English batting line-up set the tone for the series and provided a significant boost to the Australian team.
1. 5/34 VS New Zealand in Perth (2019)
During the thrilling Test match between Australia and New Zealand in Perth in 2019, Mitchell Starc delivered a match-winning performance that left the New Zealand batting lineup in tatters. Unleashing his lethal spell of fast bowling, Starc proved to be a force to be reckoned with.
He picked up an impressive five wickets for a mere 34 runs, showcasing his remarkable speed and accuracy. Starc’s ability to generate substantial seam movement and swing the ball made it an arduous task for the Kiwi batsmen to handle. As a result, Australia secured a resounding 296-run victory, with Starc’s brilliant display playing a pivotal role in their triumph.