Mitchell Starc picks fast bowlers by their top qualities

Australian seamer Mitchell Starc started off in this World Cup from where he had left in the 2015 edition. Four years ago, the left-arm bowler had ended up as the joint highest wicket-taker with New Zealand’s Trent Boult with 22 scalps. In the 2019 edition, the 29-year-old has already picked nine from four games and is currently the joint second-highest wicket-taker with compatriot Pat Cummins.

Starc, who had come under criticism during the Test series against India at home last summer, recently spoke about the qualities he admired in various fast bowlers from across the globe. According to him, those qualities add up to a perfect fast bowler. About the bowler having a great run-up, according to Starc, is South African Dale Steyn. “That frame, that menacing run-up, so smooth and attacking the crease,” Starc said about the Proteas bowler who got ruled out from this year’s World Cup.

Speaking about action, Starc’s pick is former Australia seamer Glenn McGrath who he admired for his longevity and precise action. He picked another compatriot Ryan Harris for the wrist action.

In terms of swing, Starc’s favourite is James Anderson

On swing bowling, Starc’s pick is James Anderson, who is the world’s top wicket-taking pacer in Tests. “Someone like James Anderson, who can swing it both ways, especially in English conditions. He seems almost perfect everytime. That’s a huge skill to have in cricket,” Starc said about the England bowlers while talking on cricket.com.au.

About bouncer, Starc picked the likes of Mitchell Johnson and Pat Cummins while in terms of sheer pace, his preferences are Johnson, Brett Lee, Steyn and Kagiso Rabada. The New South Wales pacer voted for Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga when picking his best bowler in terms of bowing the perfect yorker.

And finally, talking about the bowler he likes for coming up with the best celebrations, Starc went with Cummins again for his special reverse fist celebrations with both hands after taking a wicket.

Australia are heavily dependent on Starc and Cummins in their bid for a successful defence of the World Cup title in England this year and so far, they have done it perfectly fine.