Published: Jul 18, 2025, 06:09 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 18, 2025, 07:59 PM (IST)
Mitchell Starc delivered a career-best 6 for 9 against the West Indies in his 100th Test. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting recalled the moment he first saw Starc’s potential- a fiery burst against Sachin Tendulkar during just his third Test.
A dominant spell by Mitchell Starc in Jamaica saw him take five wickets in 15 balls, which led to the West Indies dismissed for 27 runs. However, Ricky Ponting pointed out that Starc’s potential was already evident.
“I remember, he was bowling a spell to Sachin Tendulkar… got up under Sachin’s armpit and Sachin just sort of knocked one into short leg,” Ponting told The ICC Review.
Even in his teenage years, Starc’s raw pace, bounce, and swing impressed Ponting. “When you could see that sort of pace and bounce, and have someone like Sachin not be able to cope with it – that was the reassurance for all of us that there was something extra special in Mitchell Starc,” ,” he added
“He’s got to be 6’5, always had pace, high 140s, touching 150. Swinging the new ball back into right-handers – it was clear early that he could be a 100-Test, 400-500 wicket bowler for Australia,” he continued.
At 35, Mitchell Starc has fulfilled the promise he showed during the early phase of his career. He is one of the most accomplished fast bowlers in Australian cricket, with over 400 Test wickets and multiple ICC tournament victories to his name.
In addition, Ponting praised Starc’s career management discipline and his fitness regimens for their role in his longevity. “He made a lot of decisions for longevity – like skipping IPLs to stay fresh for Australia. That commitment’s never been questioned,” Pointing said.
There was no doubt that Mitchell Starc delivered an exceptional performance in his 100th Test, giving a masterclass in fast bowling. However, Ponting knew about Starc’s potential ever since he had troubled the master himself- Sachin Tendulkar.
