ICC World Cup 2019: Mitchell Starc Reveals Australia's Turning Point Of The Tournament

Australia’s in-form fast bowler Mitchell Starc has revealed the turning point for the team in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019. Starc believes his team has been able to pull up their socks after their defeat against India. The defending champions had lost their third match of the World Cup against India by 36 runs and since then they have been unstoppable.

Australia has ticked the right boxes in all three departments of the game. Thus, they also became the first team of the World Cup to qualify for the semi-finals. The reigning champions also top the points table with seven wins in the eight matches they have played. In fact, Australia has confirmed their top two finish as they currently have 14 points under their bag.

“I think the turning point was probably that Indian game where we had a good chat as a bowling group and a batting group and we’ve just continued to improve as a whole group of players from that game, so it’s been fantastic.”

On the other hand, Mitchell Starc has been on fire in the ongoing ICC World Cup. Starc hadn’t played a lot of white ball format in the recent past and he has hit the ground running in the World Cup. The gun pacer has thus far scalped 24 wickets in the eight matches. Furthermore, he became the first bowler to take three five-wicket hauls in World Cup history. However, Starc believes the records mean nothing to him if they don’t go on to win the tournament.

Records don’t mean much if we don’t win the World Cup.

“Records don’t mean much if we don’t win the World Cup,” said Starc. “I’m just stoked to be playing a part in this group and continue to contribute. “A big part of our victories is our calmness and I think that’s probably led by Finchie [captain Aaron Finch]. He’s been fantastic as a captain. I think there’s a real sense of calmness around the whole group, not just from the bowlers but from Finchie to all the fielders.

Australia has come up with dominant performances in this World Cup. They have peaked at the right time and they are looking good to go all the way. However, Starc believes that his team is yet to find their top gear in the tournament and it would be ideal if they can come up with a complete performance in the semifinal and the final.

“We’ve got to play our best game in the semi now and hopefully better than that in the final, and that’s what tournament play is all about. If we keep continuing to improve every game, whether we play New Zealand or India or anyone, we’re going to have to plan really well and then execute on the day. It’s a great result beating New Zealand, but one win is not going to win you the World Cup.”

Australia will play their next match against South Africa on 6th July at Old Trafford, Manchester.