Graeme Swann remarks that Mitchell Starc's delivery would've got Tendulkar or Bradman out

On Sunday, Mitchell Starc bowled the ball of the summer as he got James Vince’s wicket. Angled from round the wicket by Starc, the ball was pitched on the middle stump lines and sliding towards the on-side. However, after hitting a crack it reversed, shaped away and ended up uprooting Vince’s off-stump as he tried to flick it along.

Graeme Swann while speaking to ESPN Cricinfo journalist Melinda Farrell remarked that it was the greatest ball he had ever seen in Test cricket. He stated that it was in no way being exaggerated. It was a delivery at 90 miles an hour and left the batsman in disbelief.

“People who are saying that’s an exaggeration do not know the game of cricket. Left-arm round at 90 miles an hour, seaming more than a guy can spin the ball, that’s the best ball I’ve ever seen live in Test cricket.”

A lot of fans on social media felt that the ball deflected due to a crack in the pitch. Hence it shouldn’t be credited as much as it has been. However, Swann went on to make a bold statement. He stated that even Sachin Tendulkar or Don Bradman would’ve got out to it every time.

Who’s the best ODI cricketer of the year? Cast your vote:

That ball is unplayable

“People saying it’s not because it hit a crack, Shane Warne’s ball of the century landed in a foothole. Get some perspective. That ball’s getting Sachin Tendulkar out one thousand times out of one thousand, it’s getting Sir Donald Bradman out, it’s getting Steve Smith out everytime. That ball is unplayable. And no, it’s not an exaggeration,” the English off-spinner was quoted as saying.

When asked if he felt for Vince, Swann admitted that the batter was looking in great touch. He mentioned that only a miracle could’ve got him out and that’s what happened.

“I really do feel for James Vince. It was a magnificent 55. I honestly believe it was his coming of age as a test player. He looked completely untroubled. He was playing with ease, he was timing the ball beautifully. He’s gorgeous for the eyes to watch. It was the only way he was getting out. A miracle. And a miracle came along from Mitchell Starc. I still can’t believe how good a ball it was. And the fact that some people aren’t giving it due credit, it was incredible,” Swann stated.