5 batsmen who can tackle Mitchell Starc
Danger and nightmare have found a new synonym in the form of fierce Australian left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc. The lanky bowler, with the ability to generate pace, bounce and swing, has pushed the opposition into doldrums and has made them look helpless, not just once or twice.
His lightning fast yorkers do pose a tough challenge for the batsmen to tackle. The winner of the ‘Man of the Tournament’ award at the 2015 World Cup is one of the key reasons why the Royal Challengers Bangalore are still in the hunt for a place in the final four in the current edition of the IPL. If one wonders if there are batsmen who may not dance to the tunes of Starc, then the following list might come in handy:
AB de Villiers
Is there any shot that Mr. 360 can’t play? AB de Villiers has every shot in the book. His innovative shots are answers to almost all kinds of deliveries and he is probably one among the few who can play Starc tactically. His unorthodox scoops and flicks of full-length deliveries stand as a testimony to the fact.
Such shots will help him get under the ball and whack it for a biggy or at least he can keep the scoreboard ticking. He has already scripted his dominance over Starc during the 2012 Perth Test against the Aussies where he smashed Starc for 7 boundaries.
A good player of the hook shot, de Villiers can always rely on that shot in reply to Starc’s bouncers.
Steven Smith
This uprising talent from Australia is another unorthodox and innovative player. Steven Smith vs Starc can only be seen in the IPL, as they play for the same team in Australian domestic cricket and in the Big Bash as well.
His technique came to light especially in the IPL when he was seen playing unconventional scoops and reverse hits of full length deliveries. He is a player who loves to move around the crease, thus making it possible for him to convert a yorker into a full toss or a half volley.
Being a player whose power rests in his bottom hand, Smith is very good at timing the ball to perfection which adds to the possibilities of him pulling it off against his country mate.