Mitchell Starc Reveals The Deadliest Weapon That Cummins And Hazlewood Gave Him: The Ashes 2023 series has ignited an intense rivalry between England and Australia, and the last match at Headingley turned the heat up even higher. Following a shocking three-wicket defeat, Australia now faces the arduous task of levelling the score in the forthcoming fourth Test at Old Trafford. Despite losing the last match, the visitors have posed a significant challenge to the Three Lions, primarily due to the resurgence of speedster Mitchell Starc in Test cricket.
Speaking with an Australian publication, Starc illuminated the bond he shares with fellow teammates Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Interestingly, their camaraderie and professional advice have fostered the emergence of a new secret weapon within Starc.
Although Starc was once at the bottom of Australia’s preference list among seamers, his transformation has been truly remarkable in the ongoing Ashes. He has, so far, secured 13 wickets in two matches at an average of 23.38. This comes after being overlooked for the first Test due to a disappointing performance in the World Test Championship final against India.
Starc’s ability to take wickets has always been appreciated. Still, it seems he’s on the path to further improvement for the upcoming matches. He disclosed that a shift in mindset from the 2019 series, where he made only one appearance, significantly improved his performance. In particular, he attributed his recent success to mastering the wobble-seam delivery, thanking Cummins and Hazlewood for their guidance.
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I’ve now got another option to try to beat the bat both ways: Mitchell Starc
In Starc’s words, “I’ve finally listened to Pat and Josh, I guess. They’re two fantastic exponents of the wobble seam or whatever you want to call it.” He added, “Having spoken to them over the last few years and being able to add that string to my bow is something that’s helped develop my bowling, and not just be someone who can only swing it or bowl fast.”
“I’ve now got another option to try to beat the bat both ways, or like (Headingley) it can be a wicket-taking ball depending on who I’m bowling to, or where I’m bowling as well.”
Starc’s adoption of the wobble seam delivery has indeed transformed his game. Before the current tour, he had played nine matches on English soil, capturing 33 wickets at a strike rate of 54.60 and an average of 31.27 per dismissal. Yet, the introduction of the wobble seam delivery into Starc’s repertoire has not only improved his stats but also disconcerted the English batsmen.
With the fourth Test looming, the Aussie pace spearhead will be keen to capitalise on his newfound skill. England, on the other hand, must devise an effective strategy to counter the threat posed by Starc’s wobble seam delivery. The stage is set for a riveting showdown in the Ashes series, with both sides vying for the prestigious trophy and cricketing supremacy. The performances and strategies adopted in the upcoming match at Old Trafford will undeniably play a pivotal role in determining the eventual winner of this epic battle.
