OTD| Left-arm Australian seamer Mitchell Starc was born in 1990

The Australian team have been a dominant force in the last few years and their recovery after the ball-tampering scandal has been phenomenal. One of the central figures in that redemption is the left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc. Today is a special day for the Australian pacer as he is celebrating his 34th birthday. Starc’s journey in international cricket is one to be remembered and he will have a special place in the hearts of Australian fans. 

Starc stepped into international cricket in 2010 when the Australian team toured India. He made his ODI debut in the second match of the 50-over series at Visakhapatnam. The young fast-bowler did not take much time to make his mark in other formats as well. He played his maiden Test match against New Zealand in Brisbane in 2011. The very next year he got the opportunity to represent Australia in the shortest format of the game. 

Spectacular rise of Starc

Mitchell Starc in a concise span gained recognition for his pace which also became one of his X-factors. At a very young age, he became an integral part of the Australian bowling attack, and his performances on big occasions gave him an entry into the group of elite bowlers of the current generation. He was the leading wicket-taker in consecutive ODI World Cups in 2015 and 2019 which is a testimony to his ability to deliver on big stages. 

Mitchell Starc has played 87 Test matches for Australia where he has picked up 353 wickets at an average of 27.52. In 50-over cricket, the 34-year-old Australian has played 121 matches registering 236 wickets to his name at an extraordinary average of 22.96. Starc has done considerably well in T20I cricket as well with 73 wickets in his account. 

Sometimes Mitchell Starc’s contribution to making the Australian team the winning machine that it is remains underrated but it would be a travesty not to give the credit that he deserves. He will be remembered as one of the fiercest exponents of fast-bowling who made this art even more enthralling.