Mitchell Starc scripts rare record with bat after gritty half-century at Lord’s

Australian speedster Mitchell Starc created history on Friday by becoming the first-ever batter from number nine or lower to register a half-century in an ICC tournament knockout match. Known primarily for his lethal pace and ability to strike early with the ball, Starc revealed a rarely seen aspect of his game, resilience with the bat, during the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s.

In a gritty display under pressure, Starc remained unbeaten on 58 off 136 deliveries, including five boundaries. He forged a vital 59-run partnership for the final wicket with Josh Hazlewood, who contributed 17 from 53 balls. This knock marked Starc’s 11th Test half-century and his eighth while batting at number nine or lower, more than any other player in the history of Test cricket.

Notably, only two players, Stuart Broad and Starc, have managed five 50-plus scores from the lower order (number nine or below) in a single country, both achieving the feat in England.

Australia’s first innings had begun on a rocky note after being sent in to bat by South Africa. They found themselves reeling at 67/4 by lunch. A crucial 79-run stand between Steve Smith (66 off 112 balls, 10 fours) and Beau Webster (72 off 92 balls, 11 fours) steadied the ship.

Webster followed it up with a 46-run partnership with Alex Carey (23 off 31 balls, four boundaries), which helped Australia inch closer to the 200-run mark. However, the Proteas bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada (5/51) and Marco Jansen (3/49), dismantled the lower order, restricting Australia to 212.

South Africa’s reply was disastrous as they slumped to 43/4 by the end of the opening day, with no batter managing to reach 20. Day two began with more promise, as captain Temba Bavuma (36 off 84 balls, four fours and a six) and David Bedingham (45 off 111 balls, six fours) stitched together a half-century stand.

But Australia skipper Pat Cummins turned the tide with a career-best spell of 6/28, orchestrating yet another collapse and dismissing the Proteas for just 138, handing Australia a 74-run first-innings lead.

In the second innings, South Africa’s bowlers once again took centre stage, reducing Australia to 73/7. Alex Carey (43 off 50 balls, five fours) and Starc added a crucial 61 runs, ending day two at 144/8.

On the third morning, South Africa dismissed Nathan Lyon quickly, but Starc and Hazlewood’s resistance frustrated the bowlers. Australia were eventually bowled out for 207, setting South Africa a challenging target of 282.

Rabada (4/59) and Lungi Ngidi (3/38) led South Africa’s attack, with Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, and Aiden Markram contributing a wicket apiece.

This article first appeared on Mid Day