'It doesn’t interest me at all' - Mitchell Starc responds to Shane Warne's criticism after winning Allan Border Medal

Mitchell Starc has been one of Australia’smost impactful pacers at the highest level in the past few years. He was the highest wicket-taker for the Aussies in the 2015 and 2019 editions of the World Cup and in fact, was even adjudged the Player of the Tournament award in the 2015 quadrennial event. While Starc is known for his ability of bowling yorkers at will, there came a phase in his life in the last one year where he just could not make the ball talk especially during the T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE.

With Starc not in the best of form, Aussie spin legend Shane Warne had opined for his omission from the Ashes series and backed young pacer Jhye Richardson to be a part of all the five matches against arch-rivals England.

“He needs to find a bit of rhythm and some form. He had a really poor [T20] World Cup. He’s just not bowling well enough. It’s too important at the Gabba. So I’m all for Jhye Richardson”, said Warne while speaking to Fox Cricket just days before the commencement of the Ashes series.

Mitchell Starc says Warne’s criticisms does not interest him at all

However, it was the left-arm pacer who had the last laugh as he featured in all the games of the traditional cricketing rivalry and registered 19 scalps as Australia convincingly won the series 4-0. Lately, Starc also won the Allan Border Medal. It is Australia’s national award which is presented to the male cricketers annually for their outstanding contribution to the game.

When the two-time World Cup winner was asked to speak on Warne’s criticism, Starc said he isn’t bothered by Warne’s opinions.

“I think, what was it? It was a straight half-volley on leg stump I think someone said. What would you like me to speak to him about? It doesn’t interest me at all. He’s entitled to his opinion. I’m just going to go about my cricket the way I’d like to, and I’ve got my family support networks and I get to play cricket with some of my best mates, so I’m pretty comfortable with where I’m at,” said Mitchell Starc while speaking to Cricket Australia.

The tearaway fast bowler became the fifth pacer to win the prestigious Allan Border Medal after the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath.