Mitchell Starc uses unique half red and half white ball to help Australian batters prepare for swing bowling

Mitchell Starc grabbed eyeballs during one of Australia's practice sessions ahead of the highly-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 as he used a ball that was half red and half white. It is believed that this kind of a cricket ball not only improves hand-eye coordination but also offers prodigious swing.

Starc is one of the rare fast bowlers who can swing the white ball, which provides the least lateral movement among all the varities of balls officially used in cricket. It is obvious that the Australian batters are getting great practice ahead of the five-match Test series against India by facing someone of Starc's calibre with a half red and half white cricket ball.

As per various reports, the Indian team has struggled to cope with the lateral movement during their match simulations in Perth. Australia might want to cash in on that weakness of the Indian batters and prepare a pitch which aids the swing bowlers. However, this ploy could work as a double-edged sword as the current Indian team has a lot of bowlers who can work their magic in swinging conditions. That could be the reason why the Australian batters are honing their skills against the moving ball.

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A look at Mitchell Starc's record versus India

Starc has not been at his absolute best in 2024 as he has picked up 27 wickets from 10 innings at an average of 32.25 and a strike rate of 49.60. He has also conceded runs at an economy rate of 3.89. This is comparatively better than his last year's economy rate of 4.44. However, Australian captain Pat Cummins won't mind the higher economy rates as long as the 34-year-old can give him wickets.

Starc hasn't had too much success against India as he averages 38.54 against the Asian giants in Test cricket. This is his highest bowling average against all the teams he has played Test cricket against. Starc will want to improve his record against India and help the Aussies reclaim the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since they lost it in 2017.