Mitchell Starc, the left-arm Australian fast bowler, is known for his fiery pace, lethal swing, and ability to deliver devastating spells. He has been a vital component of the Australian Test bowling attack and has produced several memorable performances.
Here are the top five best bowling performances of Mitchell Starc in Test cricket.
1. 8/73 vs. South Africa, Perth, 2016:
In the first Test of the 2016 series against South Africa, Starc delivered a remarkable spell of fast bowling that tore through the Proteas' batting lineup. He recorded figures of 8/73 in the first innings, which included a hat-trick. Starc's hostile pace, swing, and accuracy troubled the South African batsmen, and he played a pivotal role in Australia's victory by 177 runs.
Also Read | Ajinkya Rahane's top 5 innings in Test Cricket
2. 6/50 vs. England, Brisbane, 2017:
During the opening Ashes Test in 2017, Starc produced a scintillating display of fast bowling that dismantled the English batting order. He finished with figures of 6/50 in the first innings, exploiting the Gabba's bounce and movement to his advantage. Starc's lethal combination of pace and swing troubled the English batsmen, leading Australia to a convincing 10-wicket win.
3. 6/28 vs. Sri Lanka, Galle, 2016:
In the first Test of Australia's tour of Sri Lanka in 2016, Starc showcased his prowess on spin-friendly pitches. He utilized reverse swing expertly and claimed six wickets for just 28 runs in the second innings. Starc's ability to generate late movement troubled the Sri Lankan batsmen, and his exceptional performance guided Australia to a comprehensive 106-run victory.
Also Read | Cheteswar Pujara's top 5 innings in Test Cricket
4. 5/34 vs. New Zealand, Perth, 2019:
In a Trans-Tasman clash at Perth in 2019, Starc unleashed a lethal spell of fast bowling that rattled the New Zealand batting lineup. He picked up five wickets for just 34 runs, showcasing his express pace and accuracy. Starc's ability to generate seam movement and swing made life extremely difficult for the Kiwi batsmen, and Australia secured a dominant 296-run victory.
5. 5/46 vs. Pakistan, Brisbane, 2019:
During the first Test of Pakistan's tour of Australia in 2019, Starc delivered an outstanding performance with the ball. He claimed five wickets for 46 runs in the first innings, exploiting the conditions at the Gabba. Starc's ability to generate swing and extract bounce troubled the Pakistani batsmen, and Australia won the match by an innings and five runs.
Mitchell Starc's performances have often showcased his ability to deliver devastating spells and run through batting lineups. His lethal pace, swing, accuracy, and ability to exploit favorable conditions make him a potent force in Test cricket. These top five bowling performances highlight his skill, dominance, and impact on the game, cementing his place as one of the premier fast bowlers of his generation.
