Australia’s left-arm pace spearhead Mitchell Starc is widely recognized for his bowling prowess, but in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa at Lord’s, he’s made a compelling case to be remembered as the best No.9 batter in Test history. Even before this match, Starc held the record for the most 50+ scores by a No.9 in Test cricket. Now, he has taken that legacy to a whole new level.
Starc’s Gritty Heroics in the WTC Final
On day two of the WTC Final, Australia found themselves in deep trouble at 73/7 in their second innings, with just a 147-run lead on a testing Lord’s pitch. The South African bowlers were on fire, and Australia’s top order had crumbled. Then walked in Mitchell Starc.
What followed was a masterclass in tail-end batting under pressure. Starc battled conditions, counter-attacked when needed, and frustrated the Proteas with his resilience. He smashed his 11th Test fifty and ended unbeaten on 58 — the highest score by an Australian in that innings. More importantly, he helped stretch the lead to a substantial 281.
The highlight was his 59-run last-wicket stand with Josh Hazlewood. Starc skillfully shielded the No.11, farmed the strike, and picked his moments to attack. It was a calculated and composed innings, played like a seasoned top-order batter.
Better Than Kohli, Babar, and Rohit: Starc’s Stunning Batting Stat
If that performance wasn’t enough, a stunning stat has now emerged that puts Mitchell Starc in elite batting company. Since June 1, 2024, Starc’s balls per dismissal in Test cricket stands at an impressive 49.2 — better than many of the world’s top batters during the same period.
Here’s how he compares:
- 49.2 – Mitchell Starc
- 48.8 – Babar Azam
- 46.8 – Ben Stokes
- 40.2 – Virat Kohli
- 19.1 – Rohit Sharma
His average during this period is 20.33, which is nearly double Rohit Sharma’s (10.93) and very close to Virat Kohli’s (22.47). Both Kohli and Rohit have since retired from Test cricket, making Starc’s consistency with the bat even more remarkable.
In an era where tail-enders are often easy wickets, Starc has consistently defied expectations and contributed crucial runs under pressure. His performance in the WTC Final not only helped Australia claw back into the match but also solidified his place in history as the greatest No.9 batter the format has ever seen.
With the bat or ball in hand, Mitchell Starc continues to be Australia’s ultimate weapon in Test cricket.
