"If We Haven't Got South Africa.."- Ex Australia Wicketkeeper Against Inclusion Of Mitchell Starc In World Cup Semi Final

Mitchell Starc has not really managed to live up to the expectations in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. After setting lofty standards for himself with stunning campaigns in the last two editions of the World Cup, the Australia pace spearhead has struggled to replicate his performance in the ongoing edition.

He finished the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cups as the highest wicket-taker, helping Australia win the former edition. In 2015, the left-arm pacer picked up an astonishing 22 wickets in just 8 games. In the 2019 World Cup when Australia qualified for the semifinals, Mitchell Starc picked up a highly impressive 27 wickets from 10 games.

However, his performance in the ongoing edition has left a lot to be desired. In 8 games so far, the star bowler has managed a modest 10 wickets at an average of almost 45. Australia would be hoping that their senior pacer regains his best form for the upcoming semifinal clash against South Africa as they chase a record-extending sixth World Cup title.

Ian Healy criticizes Mitchell Starc:

With Mitchell Starc finding it tough to do well in the ongoing World Cup, Australia great Ian Healy has criticized the pacer. The former Australia wicketkeeper has questioned the fast-bowler’s form and stated that the team would be in big trouble if Mitchell Starc fails to fire against South Africa.

“Is (Starc) still a potent force? He’s not been potent at all in this tournament. 10 wickets off eight games is not bad but where is he taking these wickets? He won’t be potent at all until he gets it right and zero in on the stumps much better than he has. Fire into those stumps and feet,” Healy said.

“If we haven’t got South Africa one or two wickets down in that powerplay, then it’ll be a big total to chase,” he added.

Earlier, Starc had defended his performance in the World Cup, saying: “If you look at pure numbers, there’s been a lot of guys across a lot of teams not have the numbers they would have liked… the wickets have certainly been two very different wickets through the day and through the night.”

“It’s certainly been more beneficial to swing the ball and nip the ball under lights. I think there’s a lot of contributing factors, speed’s not the be all and end all over here in India as well,” he added.

Australia, who have won seven games in a row, will take on South Africa in the second semifinal in Kolkata on November 16.