Mitchell Starc Shines with Four Wickets Ahead of Ashes Series

Australia’s fast bowler Mitchell Starc made a strong statement ahead of the highly anticipated Ashes series against England. In a match for New South Wales at the Sheffield Shield against Victoria, Starc achieved a remarkable four-wicket haul, dismissing four of Victoria’s top six batsmen. This performance is seen as a vital preparation as he looks to regain his rhythm after a prolonged absence from competitive play.

Starc’s early breakthroughs were crucial in setting the tone for the match. He was well-supported by teammate Nathan Lyon, who contributed with two wickets for 65 runs, while Josh Hazlewood bowled 18 wicketless overs, conceding 54 runs. Sean Abbott managed to take one wicket, leaving Victoria at a precarious 340 for 7 at the end of the first day.

Starc Reflects on His Performance

After the day’s play, Starc expressed his satisfaction with his performance, noting that he feels he is close to finding his best form again. He stated, “I’m reasonably happy with my performance, feeling like I’m getting close to finding my groove.” Starc acknowledged that this has been his longest injury-free spell in some time, and he has been focusing on regaining his rhythm through the recent One Day Internationals against India.

He remarked on the importance of continuous bowling for maintaining his rhythm, saying, “I tend to be someone for whom continuous bowling keeps me in rhythm.” Starc added that he did not enter the ODI series in peak condition but felt that he was getting closer to his best.

Ashes Series on the Horizon

The Australian team is set to face England in the opening match of the Ashes series on November 21, 2023, in Perth. With Steve Smith at the helm as captain, the team aims to secure a strong start, especially with Pat Cummins sidelined due to injury.

This series holds significant importance for England, as they seek to win their first away Ashes series since 2011 and their first overall since 2015.

The squads for the upcoming Ashes have been announced, with Australia featuring players like Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, and Usman Khawaja. The England lineup includes notable names such as Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Mark Wood.

As both teams prepare for this historic series, the performance of players like Starc will be closely scrutinized, with cricket fans eagerly anticipating the action to unfold in just a few weeks.