AUS vs AFG: Mitchell Starc Isn't Even As Good As Mohammed Shami? Simon Doull Sparks Massive Debate

Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull opened up about Australian pacer Mitchell Starc’s struggles with the ball in the World Cup 2023. Simon Doull highlighted that Mitchell Starc lacks a consistent back-of-a-length line when the conditions are not favorable.

Mitchell Starc hasn’t had the tournament with his bowling that he hoped for. The left-arm pacer picked up just 9 wickets in 7 matches at a dismal average of 41 and an economy rate of 6.36. He failed to provide breakthroughs with the new ball throughout the tournament.

It Doesn’t Make Mitchell Starc A Bad Bowler – Simon Doull

In a conversation with Cricbuzz, Simon Doull pointed out that Mitchell Starc didn’t maintain a consistent line and length. Doull emphasized that Starc simply lacked alternative options when the ball didn’t behave as expected.

“It just hasn’t been the World Cup that Mitchell Starc was hoping for. On surfaces where the ball isn’t swinging much, Starc lacks the consistent back-of-a-length line and length that bowlers like Hazlewood possess. So he’s pitching it right up, and if it’s not swinging, he’s getting driven. Otherwise, he’s going short or on his slow balls,”

“He doesn’t have the consistent Test-match line and length that Shami has. The top bowlers in this tournament have delivered consistently, and that’s an area of concern for Mitchell Starc. It doesn’t make him a bad bowler; it’s just a matter of having other options when the ball is not doing what you want it to do,” Doull told Cricbuzz.

They’ll Put Their Foot On You Throat – Simon Doull

Simon Doull emphasized that Australia has a relentless approach to cricket. Doull stated that Australia has demonstrated its ability to bounce back and go on winning streaks despite the initial setbacks.

“They attack you, and then they will be relentless when they get that opportunity because that’s what Australia do, and that’s why they’ve won World Cups. They are that sort of side. Everyone was talking about the first couple of games they lost. We’ve seen them go on a run and win five in a row. They are a very, very good side. So, you give them an opportunity, they will take it and they’ll put their foot on your throat under that pressure because that’s what they do.”

The Pat Cummins-led team started the World Cup 2023 with back-to-back losses against India and South Africa. However, they bounced back to win the next five matches. They need one more win to secure their berth in the semifinals of the marquee tournament in India.

Also read: AUS vs NZ: Watch – Mohammad Kaif Calls Mitchell Starc Overrated Live On-Air