Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc might not be the top-ranked ODI or T20I bowler in the world but Dinesh Karthik has hailed him as the best white-ball bowler in the world.
Karthik’s comments came after Mitchell Starc blew India away with a sensational 5-wicket haul in the second ODI on Sunday (March 19). The left-arm pacer starred with the ball as Australia bowled out India for a modest 117 before going on to register a thumping 5-wicket win.
After Steve Smith won the toss and opted to bowl first, Mitchell Starc gave the visitors a flying start by dismissing in-form Shubman Gill for a duck in the very first over. He then dismissed skipper Rohit Sharm and Suryakumar Yadav on consecutive deliveries to leave India reeling at 32 for 3.
KL Rahul managed to block the hat-trick ball but was soon trapped in front by the pacer as India found themselves reeling at 49 for 4. Mitchell Starc then returned towards the end to castle Mohammed Siraj and complete his 5-wicket haul.
Dinesh Karthik praises Mitchell Starc:
Hailing Mitchell Starc after his performance in the second ODI, Dinesh Karthik called him the best white-ball bowler in the world. Karthik made the point while defending Suryakumar Yadav who has been dismissed for a golden duck in the first two ODIs by Starc.
“Imagine Suryakumar Yadav, I feel for him, two first-balls, I’m sure a lot of people will be saying, ‘Oh, he’s not making use of his opportunities’. It’s not true. To get out first ball means you are out before you’re set. It can happen to anybody,” Karthik told Cricbuzz.
“He (Starc) is arguably the best white-ball bowler in the world right now. To come and receive such balls first up, it’s hard. You put anybody there, more often than not, they will get out first ball. We need to cut some slack for batters who get out to quality left-armers,” Karthik added.
Speaking further, the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman stated that the skill that goes behind the likes of Shaheen Afridi and Starc is of a different level.
“The skill has goes behind a Shaheen Afridi, Trent Boult, Mitchell Starc is different boss. If the bowler had the skill, he would be playing for India! Why would he be bowling in the nets? It is not an easy skill. Add to that, you’re playing international cricket, and it’s a different ball game,” said Karthik.
Also Read: IND vs AUS 2023: Rohit Sharma Breaks His Silence On Suryakumar Yadav’s Poor Run Of Form In ODIs