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

Former India National Cricket Team batsman Mohammad Kaif criticized the Australia National Cricket Team premier pacer Mitchell Starc live on-air during the AUS vs NZ clash in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 on Saturday, October 28.

Mitchell Starc is regarded as one of the best pacers in the world and he has won several matches for Australia single-handedly. His best has often been seen in the World Cups, but in the ongoing edition of the marquee tournament, the 33-year-old left-arm pacer has not been highly impactful.

In 6 matches in the ICC World Cup 2023, he has picked 7 wickets at an average of 43.28, an economy of 6.31, and a strike rate of 41.14.

Meanwhile, Kaif slammed Starc while commentating for Star Sports during the New Zealand’s chase. It was during Starc’s 5th over when Kaif criticized the pacer and called him a highly overrated bowler.

“Mitchell Starc is highly overrated. According to me, he is highly overrated. He always gets smashed. Where are wickets, this is his 5th over and he has already conceded 43 runs. He has speed and swing, but his wickets column is empty,” Mohammad Kaif said live on-air.

He didn't held back ?? https://t.co/uBbUidrUCQ pic.twitter.com/qGBvBrYhJU

— ᕵ™ (@Peak_Kohli) October 28, 2023

Mitchell Starc’s World Cup Streak Ended

The Saturday’s game against New Zealand turned out to be a poor one for the Aussie premier pacer as he conceded 89 runs in 9 overs and went wicketless.

This was the first time in his career that Starc was unable to pick a wicket for Australia in a World Cup game. His wicket-taking streak in the World Cups lasted for 23 matches, which is the best among any bowler in the history of the game.

Most consecutive innings with at least one wicket (World Cups)

23 – Mitchell Starc, AUS, 2015-2023 (steak ended today)

13 – Glenn McGrath, AUS, 2003-2007

Starc also returned with the most expensive figures for Australia in the history of World Cups. However, Starc’s poor performance didn’t cost Australia the match as they ended up winning by 5 runs against the Black Caps.

Most expensive returns for Australia in World Cups

0/89(9) – Mitchell Starc vs NZ, Dharamsala, 2023

1/74(10) – Mitchell Starc vs IND, The Oval, 2019

3/74 (10) – Adam Zampa vs NZ, Dharamsala, 2023

1/72 (12) – Ashley Mallett vs SL,The Oval, 1975