Australia vs South Africa 2016: Mitchell Starc looks scary and is ready to be unleashed, says David Warner
Mitchell Starc is arguably the quickest bowler in the world today, and when he gallops in at the WACA ground, Perth, he will pose a significant threat to the South African batsmen. It is worth recollecting that 12 months back, Starc had sent down a 160.4 kmph thunderbolt to Ross Taylor at the very same venue.
Australian vice-captain David Warner might have mellowed down a bit and even as he ducked the 'cutting the head of the snake' comment made by Dale Steyn he did send out a warning to the Proteas batsmen about the threat of Starc.
Warner's predictions are not a shout in oblivion. He was in the slip cordon when Starc blew away the Queensland Bulls in Brisbane. He is thus very confident that the very same Starc would turn up for the first Test match in Perth.
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"If we go back 12 months and see what he delivered out here if there's a bit more pace in the wicket it could be even scarier," Warner said when was addressing the media on Tuesday.
"He looked very ready to go, more in the latter part of his (Sheffield Shield) spell in Queensland. He got the ball through nicely, started shaping the ball as well, which is what we like to see with Mitchell," Warner further said.
Warner who is well aware of the nature of the WACA pitch made it very clear that if the characteristics of the pitch are the same, Starc would be a scary proposition. The left-hander seemed very pleased that he did not have to face a rampaging Starc even in the nets. Cricket fans will remember that back in 2012-13, a fast nasty bouncer from Mitchell Johnson broke his thumb.
"I don't have to face him (Starc) too much, that's the beauty of this format with the coaching staff tinkering with the batting lineup (in the nets)," Warner said.
"I've had some scars here in my past in these nets. It's just fortunate enough that I've been selected to bat in different groups. But he's bowling quick in those nets, and if you ask any player who's played the game - past or present - (who has) practised in these nets it's the scariest thing on the calendar," Warner added.
The first match of this much-awaited series starts on November 3, 2016. The mind games have already begun and spicy comments are flowing in from both sides.