Starc’s Stellar Performance in South Africa Win
Starc, the left-arm fast bowler, played a crucial role in Australia’s three-wicket victory over South Africa. He was not only present on the field with captain Pat Cummins during the winning moment but also made a significant impact with his bowling. His partnership with Josh Hazlewood left the Proteas struggling at 24/4.
Starc admitted that the tournament hadn’t started as he would have liked, but he was pleased to step up in a crucial game. He credited the powerplay, where he and Hazlewood performed exceptionally well, as a turning point in the match.
Opening Pair’s Relentless Quality
The opening pair’s relentless quality saw South Africa limited to 18/2 from the first ten overs. Hazlewood and Starc took 1/6 and 1/10 respectively in their five overs each. Starc, however, was quick to praise his bowling partner, Hazlewood, who finished with an impressive 2/12 from eight overs. Starc himself finished with 3/34 from ten overs.
Starc and Hazlewood’s Key Role in Upcoming Final
The new-ball pair will undoubtedly play a significant role if Australia is to triumph over the tournament hosts, India, in the final. India’s top three – Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli – have all had impressive tournaments, scoring heavily to lead their team’s unbeaten progress to the final.
Starc, however, is eagerly looking forward to the challenge of facing the Indian top order. He expressed his excitement about playing against the best, referring to India’s unbeaten run in the tournament.
High-Pressure Final Expected
A record crowd is expected in Ahmedabad for the final, but Starc believes both teams are well-equipped to handle the pressure. He pointed out that both teams have experienced high-pressure situations in different formats, including the World Test Championship Final earlier in the year.
Starc anticipates a fantastic spectacle of cricket, with varying degrees of pressure on both teams. He expressed his team’s excitement about the occasion.
Starc Unfazed by Past World Cup Final
India and Australia have previously met in a World Cup Final, with Australia emerging victorious in Johannesburg in 2003. However, Starc, who would have been 13 years old at the time, doesn’t recall much from that match, except for Australia’s win.
Despite the high stakes, Starc is looking forward to the challenge of facing India in the final, showing no signs of being daunted by the past.
Australia’s Impressive World Cup Record
Australia has an impressive record in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, having reached the final multiple times in 1975, 1987, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015, and now in 2023.