Starc vs West Indies 2016

Lore & Background

Starc began playing international cricket in 2010, but the early part of his career was disrupted by persistent injuries. He came to worldwide attention as a prominent member of the Australian squad that won the 2015 Cricket World Cup, and was declared Player of the Tournament. He also was a part of the team that won the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. At the 2019 Cricket World Cup, he picked up 27 wickets, an all-time record for the most wickets taken in a single edition. He became the leading wicket-taker in successive Cricket World Cup tournaments, having previously achieved the feat in 2015. As of November 2023, he is the 3rd-highest wicket taker of all time in ICC Cricket World Cups. He is the fastest bowler in ODI history to reach 150 and 200 wickets, taking 77 and 102 matches respectively. He is also the fastest bowler in Cricket World Cup history to reach 50 wickets, taking just 19 WC games. Starc was a key member of the Australian team that won the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2023 ICC World Test Championship final. He is one of five players who have managed to win an ICC trophy in all three formats. Starc has been noted for his ability to bowl at great pace, with his fastest delivery measured at over 160.4 km/h (the fastest ever recorded in a Test match), and for generating reverse swing.

In Their Own Story

The humidity clung to the green grass at Kensington Oval, heavy and suffocating under the midday sun. Starc wiped sweat from his brow, gripping the red leather tightly as he walked back to his mark. The crowd hummed with anticipation, a sea of colorful jerseys echoing off the stands. He ran in, the pitch stretching out before him like a green ribbon. With a final stride and a release that blurred into motion, the ball seamed away sharply, seeking the edge. It was not just about taking wickets; it was about imposing will upon a ground that had seen legends rise and fall.

Reader's Guide

Starc is a left-arm fast bowler and lower order left-handed batsman. He is a specialist fast bowler, not an all-rounder. His role is to take wickets with pace and swing, particularly with the new ball and reverse swing. He is most effective in ODI and Test cricket, where his ability to bowl at high speeds and generate movement makes him a strike bowler.

Did You Know?

• Starc is Australia's fourth highest wicket-taker in both Test and ODI cricket.
• He was Player of the Tournament in the 2015 Cricket World Cup.
• He holds the record for most wickets in a single Cricket World Cup edition (27 in 2019).
• He is the fastest bowler to reach 150 and 200 ODI wickets, in 77 and 102 matches respectively.
• He is the fastest to 50 wickets in Cricket World Cups, in just 19 matches.