Mitchell Starc produced a spell for the ages as Australia dismantled the West Indies in a historic pink-ball Test in Jamaica. The experienced left-arm pacer claimed his career-best figures of 6/9, powering Australia to a dominant victory and securing his place in cricketing history.
With unrelenting pace and swing, Starc tore through the West Indies batting lineup, helping dismiss them for just 27 runs—the second-lowest total in Test history. The demolition was swift and brutal. In fact, he took a remarkable five wickets in just 15 balls, turning the game on its head within minutes.
This masterclass reaffirmed Starc’s standing as one of the most lethal bowlers in contemporary cricket. Notably, he now joins the legendary Glenn McGrath as only the second Australian pacer to feature in 100 Test matches. Along the way, he has amassed 402 wickets in the format, averaging 27.02—a testimony to his consistency and impact.
Ricky Ponting Hails Starc’s Legacy and Greatness
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, speaking on ICC Review, showered praise on Starc. According to him, the left-arm quick was “always destined for greatness.”
“He’s really now stacking up an amazing career – over 400 Test match wickets. I think everyone who laid eyes on him as a youngster understood that there was every possibility that he could be a 100-Test match, 400 or 500-wicket fast bowler for Australia,” Ponting said.
Ponting elaborated further, emphasizing the qualities that made Starc exceptional from the beginning. “He’s got to be 6’5”. He’s always had pace on his side,” he added.
A Spell to Remember: Starc vs Tendulkar
Reflecting on Starc’s early brilliance, Ponting recalled a spell against the legendary Sachin Tendulkar that left a lasting impression.
“I remember, he was bowling a spell to Sachin Tendulkar and was able to sort of bowl a short one, get up under Sachin’s armpit and Sachin just sort of knocked one into short leg on the leg side,” Ponting recalled.
“And when you could see that sort of pace and bounce and have someone like Sachin not be able to cope with it, I think that was the reassurance for all of us that there was probably something extra special there for Mitchell Starc,” he added.
A Cross-Format Match Winner
Besides excelling in Test cricket, Starc has played a pivotal role in Australia’s white-ball success. He has represented his country in 127 ODIs and 65 T20Is, collecting a combined 323 wickets in limited-overs formats. Whether it’s the new ball or death overs, Starc often turns the tide in high-pressure matches—especially in ICC tournaments.
Starc’s 6/9: A Spell for the Ages
The six-wicket haul against West Indies was more than a milestone. It was a demonstration of pace, skill, and mental toughness. This performance added another chapter to Starc’s growing legacy and placed him alongside the pantheon of Australian fast-bowling greats.
At over 400 Test wickets, with the pink ball proving to be a perfect partner, Starc continues to elevate his reputation. His relentless pursuit of excellence ensures that his contributions to Australian cricket will be remembered for generations to come.
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