Mitchell Starc is an Australian cricketer who has established himself as one of the most formidable fast bowlers in the world. Born on January 30, 1990, in Baulkham Hills, New South Wales, Starc quickly rose through the ranks of Australian cricket, showcasing his exceptional talent from an early age.

Early Career and Domestic Achievements

Starc's cricketing journey began in his hometown of Sydney, where he played for the Bankstown District Cricket Club. His impressive performances at the junior level earned him a spot in the New South Wales under-19 team in 2008. A year later, he made his debut for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield, the premier domestic first-class cricket competition in Australia.

Starc's impact on the domestic circuit was immediate. His left-arm fast bowling, characterized by pace, accuracy, and swing, troubled batsmen across the country. In the 2010-11 season, he emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the Sheffield Shield, claiming 50 wickets at an outstanding average of 21.83.

International Debut and Rise to Prominence

Starc's remarkable domestic performances caught the attention of the national selectors, and he was handed his Test debut for Australia against India in Bangalore in 2011. He made an instant impact, taking three wickets in each innings.

Over the next few years, Starc established himself as a regular member of the Australian team in all three formats – Test, One Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket. His ability to consistently deliver match-winning bowling performances made him an indispensable asset to the side.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Starc's Defining Moment

The pinnacle of Starc's international career came during the 2015 Cricket World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand. He emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker, claiming 22 wickets at an incredible average of 10.18 and a strike rate of 17.4. His bowling was a key factor in Australia's victory in the tournament final against New Zealand.

Starc's exceptional performance in the World Cup earned him the prestigious award of Player of the Tournament. He had cemented his place as one of the world's best fast bowlers and a crucial member of the Australian team.

Continued Success and Recognition

Starc's dominance continued in the years following the World Cup. He was consistently among the leading wicket-takers in all three formats, showcasing his versatility and ability to adapt to different conditions.

In 2016, Starc was named the Australian Test Cricketer of the Year for his outstanding performances in the longest format of the game. He had become a complete bowler, capable of both taking wickets and containing runs.

Injuries and Comeback

Starc's career has not been without its challenges. He has faced several injuries throughout his career, which have forced him to miss significant periods of cricket. However, he has always made remarkable comebacks, demonstrating his resilience and determination.

In 2018, Starc suffered a stress fracture in his foot that kept him out of action for several months. Despite this setback, he returned to the Australian team stronger than ever and continued to dominate batsmen with his pace and precision.

Mitchell Starc: A Modern-Day Great

Mitchell Starc is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of his generation. His consistent ability to take wickets, his ability to swing the ball both ways, and his effectiveness in all three formats make him a truly special player.

Starc has played a pivotal role in Australia's success over the years, contributing to victories in the 2015 Cricket World Cup, the 2021 T20 World Cup, and the 2023 World Test Championship final. He continues to be a key figure in the Australian team, leading the attack with his unwavering determination and exceptional bowling skills.
He was selected in the 15-man squad for 2023 Cricket World Cup in India. He played a crucial role in Australia's win over South Africa in the semi final by picking up 3 wickets. He picked up 3 crucial wickets against India in the World Cup Final, conceding 55 runs off 10 overs.

IPL Debut and Early Impact

Starc's IPL journey began in 2014 when he was drafted by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). From the outset, he displayed his prowess, bowling with fiery pace and accuracy. His ability to strike early and disrupt opposing batting lineups made him a valuable asset to the RCB side. In his debut season, Starc played 14 matches, capturing 14 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 7.49. His best bowling figures of 2/21 came against the Chennai Super Kings, where he showcased his ability to control the run flow and take crucial wickets.

Achievements

• Player of the Tournament at the 2015 Cricket World Cup
• Allan Border Medallist (Australia's player of the year) in 2015 and 2018
• Two Sheffield Shields with New South Wales (2012-13, 2013-14)
• Three Big Bash Leagues with the Sydney Sixers (2012-13, 2015-16, 2021-22)

Personal life

Starc is of Slovene descent. He is the elder brother of Australian Olympic high jumper Brandon Starc.

In 2015, Starc became engaged to fellow Australian cricketer Alyssa Healy, and they married on 15 April 2016. Starc and Healy were only the third married couple to both play Test cricket, after Roger and Ruth Prideaux, who represented England in the 1950s and 1960s, as well as Guy and Rasanjali de Alwis, who represented Sri Lanka in the 1980s and 1990s. They have since been joined by married women’s couples: Katherine and Natalie Sciver-Brunt, and Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk. They met when they were 9, when both were wicketkeepers for Northern Districts. In March 2020, Starc flew home ahead of the final ODI match against South Africa so he could watch Healy play in the final of the 2020 ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

Starc supports the Greater Western Sydney Giants in the Australian Football League, and the St George Illawarra Dragons in the National Rugby League.

Career Stats