Mitchell Starc has greatness written all over him, says SA legend Allan Donald

Mitchell Starc is the second non-Asian paceman to take a 10-wicket haul on the Asian continent in this century

South African pace legend Allan Donald was impressed with Mitchell Starc’s performance in the Sri Lanka Test series. As quoted by cricket.com.au, Donald said that Aussie pacer Mitchell’s performance during the second Test match in Galle against the Sri Lankans was one of the best he had ever seen from a fast bowler. The SA legend added that Starc’s bowling in the match proved that the 26-year-old has greatness written all over him.

Even after the disappointing performance of the Australian Team in the Second Test match, where the Sri Lankans defeated the Aussies by 229-runs, Mitchell showed an extraordinary performance. The bowler took 17 wickets in the opening two test matches, which is more than any other player.

Starc, who had a long layoff before the second Test due to ankle and foot surgery, was good with both new and old balls with appreciable swing and pace that ripped through the host’s batting order in both the innings.

On the morning of the opening day of the third Test match in Colombo, the South African legend talked to Ten Sports about Starc’s performance and said, "Singlehandedly ... I think that's probably the best I've seen.” He added that in terms of sustainability, his pace was right and he believed that Starc’s pace during his last wicket of the day was around 148 kph which was swinging both ways.

Donald further added, "That's got to go down as probably the best I've seen. And a great credit to his stamina, his skill, and just being relentless all day. He's got the world at his feet, there's no doubt. I know that he's a very humble bloke and he's got that greatness written all over him. It's just a matter of keeping him fit and healthy for years to come."

As per reports, Donald, who is Australia’s interim fast bowling coach for the series, stated that two years ago at the same venue on a similarly dry surface, South Africa’s Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel’s performances were one of the best he had ever seen in his decade. The pace legend also mentioned that as an individual, Starc’s performance ranks the highest.

After Starc’s stunning bowling performance in Galle, he became the second non-Asian paceman to take a 10-wicket haul on the Asian continent in this century. Steyn is the first man to have the record who took match figures of 10-108 in February 2010 in Nagpur against India.