In a thrilling display of fast bowling, Mitchell Starc dominated the first innings of the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test match against India at the Adelaide Oval. With an impressive bowling figure of 6/48 Starc not only showcased his skill but also removed his former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammate Harshit Rana. This day marked a significant moment in Starc’s career, as it was his 15th five-wicket haul and his first against India in a day-night Test.
Mitchell Starc’s prime spell grabs him a six-wicket haul
Starc’s performance was pivotal in dismissing India for just 180 runs, a feat that underscored his mastery with the pink ball. His ability to swing and seam the ball effectively in day-night conditions proved too much for the Indian batting lineup including the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. This match was particularly noteworthy as it was Starc’s first six-wicket haul in an innings in five years, highlighting a resurgence in form that fans and analysts alike had been eager to see.
The atmosphere at Adelaide Oval was electric, with fans witnessing Starc’s lethal yorkers and sharp bouncers that left Indian batters in disarray. The left-arm pacer’s bowling not only dismantled the Indian top order but also served as a reminder of his capabilities, especially under lights.
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Starc’s lightening swinging yorker cleans up Harshit Rana for a duck
One of the standout moments came when Starc dismissed Rana with a perfectly executed yorker striking the bottom of the stumps on the penultimate delivery of the 39th over. The left arm pacer looking at the tailender, delivered a perfect in-swinging yorker, which stunned Rana getting beaten by pace and line both. As Rana walked back to the pavilion without scoring, Starc couldn’t help but flash a grin at his former KKR teammate. The exchange between Starc and Rana was not just about cricket; it was also steeped in their shared history from the IPL. Earlier this year, both players contributed to KKR’s title-winning campaign, creating a bond that transcended international rivalries.
Here’s the video:
The inswinging peach of a yorker gets Mitchell Starc his fifth wicket!#AUSvIND | #DeliveredWithSpeed | @NBN_Australia pic.twitter.com/SwVIHFiNhK
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2024
The rivalry rekindled
Starc and Rana’s rivalry had been brewing since their first encounter at the Optus Stadium during the previous Test series. In that match, Rana had tested Starc with a barrage of short balls, leading to some cheeky exchanges where Starc reminded Rana of his speed. The friendly jibes continued into this Test match, with both players pushing each other to excel. Starc’s ability to maintain composure while engaging in light-hearted banter with Rana illustrates his experience and maturity as a seasoned international cricketer. Such interactions not only entertain fans but also highlight the lighter side of competitive sports.
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