Mitchell Starc kicked off the third Test in sensational style. Australia faced off against England in an important Ashes test and Starc was hot right out of the gates. Starc took a stunning wicket in the first over of England’s innings to kick off a brilliant bowling performance. He dismissed opener Ben Duckett at will. He soon took the wicket of Ollie Pope, stepping up the aggression in his attack. This decision deepened his legendary status as a lethal weapon in day-night Tests.
It’s been a phenomenal opening spell to the Test from Starc. With 83 wickets in only 15 matches, he has proven himself to be the greatest force in this format. He takes the field with a staggering 40-wicket advantage. Fellow Australian bowler Pat Cummins is second on the list of leading wicket takers in day-night Test matches.
The numbers related to Starc’s early wicket-taking effectiveness are astounding. It was his 26th first-over wicket of an innings in his career. Astonishingly, he has done this spectacular thing three times in the ongoing Ashes series so far. Within less than an hour of the second Test, Starc had taken 12 wickets. This would hardly be a surprise given the challenge England has so far faced against his bowling.
Starc’s performance echoes the dominance showcased by Mitchell Johnson during Australia’s 2013-14 Ashes tour, where he similarly wreaked havoc on England’s batting lineup. In the first Test of this series, Starc dismissed Zak Crawley twice for a duck, demonstrating his ability to consistently trouble England’s batsmen.
Australia’s left-armer Mitchell Starc was the real star with the ball in the second Test, showing extraordinary accuracy. One he bowled that Ollie Pope edged through the slips, another that Joe Root fended towards first slip. His dogged scrutiny forced Crawley into nicking a ball from Michael Neser. This moment demonstrated a dazzling display of precision, accuracy and execution by Starc.
Phil Tufnell, a former England cricketer, commented on Starc’s demeanor and talent, stating:
“Mitchell Starc is one of those bowlers that, especially when we were sharing hotels, when I’m sitting there eating my breakfast, a bit nervous, he always walked down looking so calm.” – Phil Tufnell
Tufnell elaborated on the characteristics that define world-class players in cricket:
“That’s what makes world-class performers. You can tell who’s a world-class cricketer by how they eat breakfast. I bet he’s calm.” – Phil Tufnell
During the match itself, all eyes will be trained on Starc. Fans will be watching with bated breath to see if he can continue his scintillating form and lead Australia to a win over their old foes.
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