Mitchell Starc is an Australian cricketer known for playing for both the national team and New South Wales. He was born on January 30, 1990 at Baulkham Hills, New South Wales, Australia. Starc is a left-arm fast bowler and a lower-order left-handed batsman, recognized as one of the best bowlers in white-ball cricket.
He represents Australia in Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODI), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20I). Though he started his international debut in 2010, he gained worldwide attention for his role in Australia’s victory in the 2015 Cricket World Cup, earning Player of the Tournament.
Mitchell Starc Personal life
Mitchell Starc is the elder brother of Australian Olympic high jumper Brandon Starc. In 2015, he got engaged to fellow Australian cricketer Alyssa Healy, and they tied the knot on 15 April 2016. Starc and Healy made history as the third married couple to both play Test cricket. They first met at the age of 9 while both were wicket keepers for Northern Districts.
Role of Starc in 2015 Cricket World Cup
In the 2015 Cricket World Cup, Starc played an important role in Australia’s triumph. Despite an early loss to New Zealand, where he claimed six wickets, including a dramatic hat-trick, Australia rebounded with victories against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Scotland. In the final against New Zealand, Starc’s opening delivery dismissed Brendon McCullum, setting the tone for Australia’s dominance. He concluded the tournament with a remarkable 22 wickets, boasting a bowling average of 10.18 and a strike-rate of 17.4 balls per wicket, the best in a World Cup since 1975. Starc was named the player of the tournament and finished as the top-ranked ODI bowler globally.
Mitchell Starc in 2019 Cricket World Cup
In Australia’s World Cup opener against the West Indies, Mitchel Starc played a pivotal role, securing a 15-run victory with his impressive five-wicket haul. During the tournament, Starc achieved a milestone by becoming the fastest bowler to reach 150 wickets in ODIs, accomplishing this feat in his 77th game. In a later match against New Zealand, he set another record by becoming the first bowler to claim three five-wicket hauls in a single Cricket World Cup. Starc concluded the tournament with 27 dismissals, establishing a new record for the most wickets by an individual in a single World Cup.
Mitchell Starc in IPL
Starc has had a notable presence in the Indian Premier League (IPL), primarily playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore. In the 2014 season, he showcased his fielding skills with impressive catches and engaged in a controversial on-field incident with Kieron Pollard, resulting in fines and code of conduct charges. Despite a knee injury Mitchel Starc made a significant impact, leading Bangalore’s bowling and securing 20 wickets. In 2016, a foot fracture kept him out of the IPL, and by 2017, he parted ways with Royal Challengers Bangalore to manage his workload. Kolkata Knight Riders acquired Starc in 2018, but injuries prevented him from playing. The 2019 season saw his release due to Cricket Australia’s decision, leading to legal action against an insurance company. Starc opted out of the 2022 IPL due to “bubble fatigue” but returned for the 2024 season, becoming the IPL’s most expensive buy at approximately $4.4 million AUD (Rs24.75 crore) with Kolkata Knight Riders.
Interesting Facts About Mitchell Starc
- Mitchel Starc began his cricket journey at a young age, starting at 9 years old as a wicketkeeper for Northern Districts.
- He is known for his ability to bowl at great pace, recording the fastest-ever delivery in a Test match at over 160.4 km/h, and is the fifth-highest wicket-taker for Australia in ODI and Test cricket as of November 2023.
- He made his first-class debut for New South Wales in March 2009 against Western Australia.
- As of November 2023, Starc is the third-highest wicket-taker in ICC Cricket World Cups of all time.
- Starc holds records for being the fastest bowler in ODI history to reach 150 and 200 wickets, achieving these milestones in 77 and 102 matches, respectively.
- Mitchel Starc made his international debut in One Day Internationals (ODIs) during Australia’s tour of India in late 2010.
- Starc played a significant role in Australia’s ODI series against Afghanistan and Pakistan in 2012, earning the player of the series award for his nine wickets in two wins.