5 instances when Mitchell Starc crossed the line
Mitchell Starc hurling the ball at New Zealand’s Mark CraigAustralian fast bowler Mitchell Starc is clearly one of the best modern-day cricketers. He is the second-ranked One-day International bowler in the world, is athletic on the field and a handy lower-order batsman.His express pace with his accurate length makes him a lethal bowler who is feared across the world. He is also lauded because he is passionate about his game and wears his heart on his sleeves.However, in spite of being a cricketer of true value, his passion can sometimes turn into overt aggression, resulting in inappropriate behaviour. In the ongoing Test series between Australia and New Zealand, Starc has been criticised by all pundits for his misdemeanor against Mark Craig.So, let’s take a look at five times the talented seamer has crossed the line on the cricket field:
#1 A game of dodgeball with Mark Craig
In the final day of the first Test between Australia and New Zealand at the Gabba, Mitchell Starc let out his frustration by throwing a ball at New Zealand batsman Mark Craig.
The incident occurred in the 84th over as New Zealand's final pair, Craig and Trent Boult were holding off the Australians in their push for victory before lunch. Craig had just struck two consecutive fours off Starc and the third ball of the over was pushed back to the bowler. Starc picked up the ball anddirected his throw close to the batsman and not at the stumps.
Starc was fined 50% of his match fee by match referee Roshan Mahanama over the incident, after he admitted breaching Article 2.2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct, relating to throwing a ball at or near a player in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner.
In a rare instance, Australian Captain Steve Smith has condemned his bowlers behaviour, instead of suppporting it. Smith said the incident was "pretty disappointing," and he noted that it was not the first time Starc had failed to keep his cool and thrown a ball in a batsman's direction.