Mitchell Starc recently played his 100th Test match, becoming only the second Australian pacer after the legendary Glenn McGrath to reach the milestone. He marked the occasion with a memorable performance against the West Indies, claiming a career-best 6/9.
The Legendary spell not only took him past 400 Test wickets but also set a world record for the fastest five-wicket haul in terms of balls bowled, just 15 deliveries (2.3 overs). Starc led the bowling attack to dismiss the hosts for just 27 runs in the 3rd Test at Sabina Park.
“Something Special in Starc” — Ponting on Sachin Duel
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, speaking on a podcast, recalled when he first realized Starc was a special talent during a fiery spell against Sachin Tendulkar.
“I remember, he was bowling a spell to Sachin Tendulkar and was able to bowl a short one that got up under Sachin's armpit. Sachin just knocked it into short leg on the leg side. When you see that kind of pace and bounce trouble someone like Sachin, it was the reassurance for all of us that there was probably something extra special in Mitchell Starc,” Ponting said during the Podcast
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400 Wickets and Counting — Ponting Applauds Starc’s Journey
Ponting also praised Starc’s achievement of 400 Test wickets a feat previously accomplished by only three other Australians: Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Nathan Lyon. He believes Starc still has plenty to offer.
“He’s now building an amazing career over 40 Test wickets. I think everyone who saw him early on could tell he had the potential to become a 100-Test, 400- or even 500-wicket bowler for Australia. He’s got to be 6’5”,” Ponting added.
Ponting Applauds Starc’s Long-Term Focus Over IPL
He also acknowledged Starc’s disciplined career choices, especially his decision to skip several IPL seasons to prioritize Australia’s international commitments.
“He’s always had pace on his side. He’s made a lot of smart decisions to give himself the best chance at a long international career. By stepping away from some IPL tournaments when bigger international commitments were on the horizon, he’s shown real maturity,” Ponting concluded.
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