Ashes 2021-22: Have Been Hearing It For 10 Years: Mitchell Starc On Being Criticised

Australian pace bowler Mitchell Starc expressed his pleasure in starting the historic Ashes series with a wicket. 

The Ashes 2021-22 got off to an electrifying start at the Gabba in Brisbane as Starc bowled a pinpoint yorker to crash into England opener Rory Burns’ stumps. 

Before the start of the Ashes, many experts like Shane Warne didn’t feel Starc was able to perform up to his potential as he went through a lean patch in the T20 World Cup.

Nice way to start the day: Mitchell Starc

Responding to the criticism, Starc said that he has been hearing it for a decade but was relieved to start the series in a fashionable manner. 

“I have been hearing it for 10 years. So it is nothing new. That’s about 210 games ago… Nice to see it swing, and a nice way to start the day, I guess. You can say I carried on (with the celebration).

“But that’s Ashes cricket. To be playing at home in front of the crowd, kickstart the Ashes series. There were a few emotions going around, and a lot of smiles,” Starc told official broadcasters after Australia bowled out England for 147 in the first innings. 

“I’d love to sit here and say that’s how I drew it up, bowl him around the legs, just swing it in. There is no secret that the way I got about my bowling is being attacking and aiming for those stumps. The yorker is a big part of my game, but me for it is about trying to bowl fast and swing it in. That’s part of how I ball. It was nice to see it come off today,” he added.

Mitchell Starc surprised on James Anderson and Stuart Broad’s exclusion from the England team

In a very rare instance, England didn’t include their senior players like James Anderson and Stuart Broad in the playing XI in Brisbane. 

Mark Wood, Chris Woakes and Ollie Robinson along with spin bowler Jack Leach comprise England’s bowling attack. 

Just like many others, Starc was also left bemused after both Anderson and Broad were benched in the Brisbane Test. 

“I am not sure if you asked anyone a couple of days ago if that was going to happen, anyone would believe it. To take 300 Tests and 1000 wickets out of their Test side is pretty interesting,” Starc said. 

Australia’s newly appointed skipper Pat Cummins started the new role on a high tone as he led the bowling attack from the front with 5/38. 

Also Read: The Ashes 2021-22: Pat Cummins Looks As Though He Has Captained For A Long Time – Brett Lee