World Cup 2019: Decoding the importance of Mitchell Starc
What's the story
On Tuesday, Australia became the first nation to qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2019.
The defending champions thrashed England by 64 runs at Lord's.
One of the key architects of Australia's victory was pacer Mitchell Starc.
The left-arm pacer took four scalps and continued his magic.
In the same light, we decode the importance of Starc for Australia.
CWC 19
Starc is the highest wicket-taker in 2019 World Cup
Starc has continued from where he left off in the 2015 edition of the World Cup.
The left-arm pacer had picked up 22 scalps in the previous World Cup and in the ongoing tourney, he leads the show with 19 from just seven matches.
Starc looks set to better the tally as he continues to etch his name in the record books.
Starc vs England
Starc leading the attack for the Aussies
Starc has been used as the main wicket-taking bowler by skipper Aaron Finch.
The Aussie captain hasn't shied away from using his best bowler especially when a partnership is blossoming or a batsman is piling up runs.
Against England on Tuesday, Starc dismissed Ben Stokes (89) with a brilliant yorker.
The delivery is already being termed as the 'ball of the tournament'.
Twitter Post
WATCH: Starc castles Stokes with a dream delivery
Starc gets Stokes with a 😍 yorker!#CmonAussie | #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/9BRwsv4YpW
— ICC (@ICC) June 25, 2019
Performance
Australia riding high on Starc's consistency
Against Bangladesh, Finch called Starc for a spell in the 25th over.
He came in and dismissed Tamim Iqbal (62) with a ball that clocked 146kph.
Previously against West Indies, Starc (5/46) got the crucial wickets of Jason Holder and Andre Russell.
Starc also chipped in against Pakistan with the massive wicket of Wahab Riaz (45).
He has continuously got the big fishes.
Information
A look at Starc's ODI stats
Starc has 164 scalps in 82 ODIs at an average of 21.07. He has already taken six five-wicket hauls. The star bowler also has 41 career World Cup scalps and is the second highest wicket-taker for Australia.
Our take
Can Starc help Australia seal the deal?
Australia have the definite edge when it comes to pace bowling in the World Cup.
They have real depth and quality all around.
With Starc leading the charge, the Aussies look like a side that can go all the way.
There is a belief in this side to overcome opponents with their bowling.
The manner in which Starc is bowling, it's a grand spectacle.