On Sunday morning, Australian time, Mitchell Starc will become only the second fast bowler in Australian history to play 100 Test matches. This milestone is particularly impressive given the early doubts about his suitability for the format.
Throughout much of his career, Starc was primarily celebrated for his white-ball prowess, often criticized for being too costly, inconsistent, or lacking the durability needed for red-ball cricket. Critics questioned whether he could adapt to the demands of Test cricket, especially under challenging conditions.
However, as his career has evolved, those doubts have diminished significantly. Now, approaching his century of Tests a feat he will achieve under lights against the West Indies in Jamaica Starc can reflect on a journey marked by resilience, perseverance, and the arrival of day-night Tests, which have extended his impact.
Starc has frequently been a scapegoat for Australia’s struggles, especially with his aggressive, stump-searching bowling style that is high-risk, high-reward. When it works, it’s exhilarating; when it doesn’t, it can be ugly and costly. His critics often point to moments of expensive bowling, particularly during Australia’s Ashes defeats in 2013 and 2015, which led selectors to question his effectiveness in English conditions. As a result, he only played one Test in the 2019 series.
Yet, by 2023, Starc had silenced many critics. He emerged as Australia’s leading wicket-taker in that year’s Ashes series and played a pivotal role in retaining the urn on English soil. His performance in that series, often overshadowed by other talking points, marked a quiet but powerful affirmation of his status as a Test cricket great.
As he prepares to reach this historic milestone, Starc’s career stands as a testament to his longevity, resilience, and ability to adapt amidst the evolving landscape of international cricket.
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