December 1 marks the start of Mitchell Starc’s 15th year as a Test cricketer. It’s a truly remarkable milestone for any fast bowler, a testament to incredible fitness, resilience, and unwavering skill in one of the sport’s most demanding roles. Yet, despite being firmly in the veteran class, Starc isn’t just hanging around; he’s unequivocally in career-best form. A recent 10-wicket haul, devastating for the opposition, has given Australia a crucial Ashes series lead, heading into Thursday’s second Test at the Gabba – the very ground where his illustrious journey began against New Zealand in 2011.
It’s not often you find a player of Starc’s caliber who still feels somewhat under-celebrated. Perhaps it’s his quiet intensity, his no-nonsense approach, or the sheer brilliance of some of his teammates that sometimes allows his immense contributions to slip under the radar. But make no mistake, Mitchell Starc is the ‘Dark Knight’ of Australian cricket – a formidable, often understated force, operating with deadly precision and always delivering when it matters most.
His ability to generate raw pace and swing the old ball, especially with that devastating left-arm inswinger, has dismantled countless batting lineups over the years. He’s the man who can break open a stubborn partnership, who can run through a tail, and who consistently provides those game-changing moments when the team needs them most. Whether it’s a searing yorker or a perfectly placed bouncer, Starc’s presence injects genuine fear into the hearts of batsmen worldwide.
For 15 years, he has donned the baggy green, relentlessly charging in, delivering venomous spells with a steely gaze. While others might grab headlines with flamboyant stroke play or heroic last-stand batting, Starc quietly racks up the wickets, consistently putting Australia in winning positions. As he embarks on another year at the pinnacle of Test cricket, it’s high time we give this unsung hero the thunderous applause and widespread recognition he so richly deserves. Here’s to many more years of the ‘Dark Knight’ unsettling stumps and rattling opposition teams!
Source: Original Article
