Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has shared a story about a moment early in Mitchell Starc's career that convinced him of the young bowler's potential for greatness: a fiery spell against Sachin Tendulkar. Ponting's recollection offers insight into the qualities that have made Starc one of Australia's leading fast bowlers, now with over 400 Test wickets to his name.
The incident occurred during the 2012 Test match at the WACA in Perth. It was only Starc's third Test match, and his first against India. Ponting remembers Starc delivering a particularly challenging ball to Tendulkar. The ball was short and rose sharply, hitting Tendulkar near his armpit, leading the legendary batsman to awkwardly deflect it towards short leg.
Ponting noted that seeing someone of Tendulkar's caliber struggle against Starc's pace and bounce was a clear sign of the bowler's special talent. He recalled thinking that if Starc could trouble Sachin in that way, it was a strong indication of his extraordinary potential.
Starc, who made his first-class debut for New South Wales in 2009 at the age of 19, quickly rose through the ranks to earn his Baggy Green within two years. Ponting has observed that Starc possessed the raw attributes necessary for success from the beginning. Standing tall at 6'5", Starc consistently bowled with high pace, often exceeding 140kph and sometimes pushing 150kph. He also had the ability to swing the new ball, making him a threat to right-handed batsmen.
Starc recently played his 100th Test match for Australia, joining Glenn McGrath as the only other Australian pace bowler to reach this milestone. In that game, against the West Indies in Jamaica, Starc delivered a remarkable performance, taking six wickets for just nine runs. This included a five-wicket haul in just 15 balls, helping to dismiss the West Indies for 27, the second-lowest total in Test history.
Beyond his physical gifts, Ponting has also praised Starc's mental fortitude and commitment to Test cricket. Starc has, at times, prioritized international duties over lucrative IPL contracts to manage his workload and maintain his focus on Test matches. Ponting has also noted Starc's continuous efforts to improve his game, including the development of subtle variations in his bowling. He has also observed Starc's mental preparation techniques, such as wearing a wrist tape with motivational words as reminders.
That early spell against Tendulkar, as recalled by Ponting, serves as a powerful illustration of the talent and potential that Mitchell Starc has realized throughout his career. From troubling a legend early on to becoming a legend himself, Starc's journey is a testament to his skill, dedication, and enduring impact on the game.
