All credit to Mitchell Starc for incredible skill and determination under pressure. He launched Australia to a massive total in the first Ashes Test against England. In taking 6-75 in England’s first innings, Starc was on song with the ball, earning match figures of 10-113. Then virtually all its players contributed as Australia bowled England out and took a substantial first-innings lead. They scored a whopping 511 runs, leading by 177 runs.
Starc’s achievement was rendered more remarkable given that he was not far off his 36th birthday. With the ball, his consistent performance was remarkable. Simultaneously, his offensive contribution went unmatched as he scored 77 runs on 141 balls batting at No. 8. His efforts are directly responsible for Australia’s overpowering performance throughout the match. Starc made the task seem even easier against an otherwise underwhelming English bowling attack, producing one remarkable straight drive before he was finally caught by Ben Stokes.
Starc set the tone with a brilliant SR of 200, getting stuck into the England seamers’ half-volleys. Surprisingly enough, he managed to score 61 runs on back-of-a-length deliveries, making him his own dangerous adversary. Over the entirety of his career, his rate on back-of-a-length balls is just 49, making this match a significant improvement in that regard.
Starc’s simultaneous success at the crease and with the ball pretty much makes him an ever rarer bread of cricketer—famed all-rounders. He became the fifth player since 1963 to take a five-wicket haul in the first innings of a Test and opened his account. He made 52 in the second innings of that Ashes Test, as well. Interestingly, he is just the second player after Mitchell Johnson to do this.
With key players such as Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood unavailable for selection, Starc had to step up to lead Australia’s pace attack. He took on the expanded responsibilities with passion and expertise. The lack of Nathan Lyon for the series played a huge role to his benefit. This caused Starc to shoulder extra burdens in Brisbane.
“Mitchell Starc destroyed England’s top order with the ball and now he is breaking their hearts with the bat.” – Alastair Cook
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