Published: Jun 12, 2016, 02:44 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 12, 2016, 02:44 PM (IST)
Retired New Zealand cricketer Brendon McCullum admitted that Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc got the better of him in the last ICC World Cup 2015. He did not stop here and compared him to the likes of Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and others. The left armer got the wicket of McCullum in the final of World Cup 2015. It is quite fascinating to see that the left arm fast bowler Starc is even feared by one of the most attacking batsmen in the history of cricket. Starc’s first scalp in Tests was McCullum back in 2011 at Gabba. Starc announced himself in World Cricket only during World Cup 2015. He has been out of the side due to injury lately. ALSO READ: Brendon McCullum: New Zealand lacked soul when I took over
Starc got rid of McCullum in the fifth ball he bowled in the match. A staggering in-swinging yorker was enough to get rid of the wicketkeeper batsman. McCullum told cricket.com.au, “Mitchell Starc in the World Cup final, he was too good for me. You can’t be too proud to admit when someone’s better than you: that’s the beauty of the game. I walked off, I was content that I tried my best but Mitchell Starc on his day was too good. When he’s on song, he’s tough to play. He’s coming from 6 foot 7 or whatever he is, he’s bowling 150kph and swings the ball from the left arm.” ALSO READ: Former ICC ACSU chief defends processes after McCullum’s severe criticism
Starc picked up 22 wickets in the tournament at an impressive average of 10.18. But his spell against New Zealand is considered his career best. He went past the 160 kmph mark shattering McCullum’s bat in bits and pieces. McCullum believes Starc has a great future ahead of him.
He said, “There have been guys who have had an impact for a short periods of time and that’s why I can’t wait to see Mitchell Starc’s development over the next few years,” McCullum said. Because if he keeps doing what he’s done for a period of time, then that puts him in that category (amongst the best bowlers in the world).”
“A guy like Mitchell Johnson did it for 13 years, (as did) Brett Lee in his pomp, Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath. Jimmy (James) Anderson with the Dukes ball, Stuart Broad as well – they’ve done it for a long, long period of time. Mitchell Starc’s got huge skills, and I’m not being disrespectful when I say it, but I think those others guys have had a bigger impact for longer.”, he added.
If Starc avoids any injuries in the future he has the potential to be the most lethal fast bowler in Australian side. McCullum said, “When he’s bowling as well as what he can, he’s a complete world-beater. The challenge for Mitch, which we’ve seen over the last year or so, is that consistency. “But I think he’s gotten bigger, he’s gotten faster and I think he’s understood his skills a little more over the last little while. So the next couple of years will be really interesting, especially to see how he comes back from this injury. It’s good for the game when he’s playing and at his best, because there aren’t too many commodities like him.”
