(Image Source: PTI)
[Saba Sports News] In India’s World Cup opener against Australia at Chepauk, the left-arm pace of Mitchell Starc poses a challenge for right-handed batters, particularly at the start of an innings. India’s right-handed batsmen have struggled against this style of attack in recent years, with memorable instances including Mohammad Amir’s performance in the 2017 Champions Trophy final and Trent Boult’s swing and skill in the 2019 World Cup semi-final. Now, it’s Starc’s turn to torment India.
Starc’s effectiveness lies in pitching the ball up, swinging it late, and at sharp pace, often breaching the defenses of right-handers. In a recent one-day series in India, he was the highest wicket-taker, taking eight wickets in three games. He used his trademark delivery, swinging the ball back into the right-hander, to dismiss key Indian batsmen.
Indian batters must resist the urge to play across the front pad and whip the ball square on the leg side when facing Starc’s deliveries. Starc can also make the ball hold its line or move away, enticing outside edges. He is known for setting up batsmen with a series of deliveries moving away before delivering the inswinger.
Starc will target the probing channel just outside off-stump, especially against India’s predominantly right-handed lineup. While India had some success against him in Chennai in March, the possibility of movement due to intermittent drizzle may work in Starc’s favor.
Despite Starc’s threat, India’s experienced batsmen like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul have decent records against him, averaging well over 40 in this match-up. However, their records in the first ten overs against left-armers are less impressive.
Sharma averages 36.7, Kohli has perished 13 times in 67 innings, and Rahul averages 25.3 with three dismissals in 18 innings.
For India’s batters, the key will be to avoid falling to Starc’s full, quick deliveries that dart in devilishly.