Mitchell Aaron Starc (born 30 January 1990) is an Australian international cricketer who has made a name for himself as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the game. Known for his left-arm fast bowling and lower-order left-handed batting, Starc has been a key player for the Australian national team and New South Wales in domestic cricket.
Starc is a force to be reckoned with in all formats of the game, excelling in Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODI), and Twenty20 Internationals. His impressive performances have earned him a reputation as one of the best white-ball bowlers in the world. Notably, Starc was the highest-rated bowler in ODI cricket in 2015, and he has been a crucial part of the Australian squad that won the 2015 and 2023 ICC Cricket World Cups.
Although Starc's career has been marred by persistent injuries, he has made a strong comeback each time. In the 2019 Cricket World Cup, he set a new record for the most wickets in a single edition of the tournament, taking 27 dismissals. His exceptional bowling skills, including his ability to generate reverse swing and deliver at great pace (he recorded the fastest delivery ever in a Test match at over 160.4 km/h), make him a formidable opponent on the field.
Starc's achievements extend beyond the international stage. He has also played in the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL), representing franchises such as Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite facing injury setbacks and missing some seasons, Starc has left his mark in the IPL with his impressive performances.
Off the field, Starc is married to fellow Australian cricketer Alyssa Healy, and the couple became only the third married couple in cricket history to both play Test cricket. Starc's Slovene heritage and his support for teams like the Greater Western Sydney Giants in the Australian Football League and the St George Illawarra Dragons in the National Rugby League showcase his passion for sports.
With his exceptional talent, Mitchell Starc has undoubtedly earned his place as one of the cricketing world's most renowned and respected players. His contributions to the game, both domestically and internationally, have cemented him as a legendary figure in Australian cricket history.
